Cell Division Through Mitosis
Think of mitosis as nature's photocopying machine - it creates exact duplicates of cells when your body needs them. Before this process even begins, cells go through interphase, where they copy their DNA and prepare for division.
Your body cells are diploid, meaning they contain two copies of each chromosome. During interphase, the DNA spreads out in long strings, then copies itself to form X-shaped chromosomes that are ready for splitting.
The actual mitosis process has four main stages that happen in order. Prophase kicks things off when the nucleus membrane breaks down. Metaphase sees all chromosomes line up neatly in the cell's centre, like students queuing for lunch.
Anaphase is when the real action happens - each chromosome splits in half and identical copies get pulled to opposite sides of the cell. Finally, telophase forms new membranes around each set of chromosomes, followed by cytokinesis where the cytoplasm and cell membrane divide completely.
Quick Tip: Remember PMAT (Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase) to nail the order every time!
The end result? Two genetically identical daughter cells that can each divide again, doubling your cell count with every round of division.