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Stages of Mitosis for AQA A Level & GCSE Biology: Easy Guide
Pritika
@pritikarane_25
Mitosis: Stages and Key Events
The process of mitosis is divided into several distinct stages, each characterized by specific cellular events. This page provides a comprehensive overview of the entire mitotic process, from interphase through to cytokinesis.
Interphase (90% of Cell Cycle)
Interphase is the preparatory phase for cell division, consisting of three sub-stages:
- G1 (Gap 1): The cell grows in size.
- S (Synthesis): DNA replication occurs.
- G2 (Gap 2): Further growth in preparation for mitosis.
Vocabulary: Interphase - The stage of the cell cycle where the cell prepares for division but no actual division takes place.
Prophase
During prophase, several key events occur:
- The nuclear envelope breaks down and disappears.
- Chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes.
- In animal cells, centrioles move to opposite poles of the cell.
- Spindle fibers begin to form, collectively known as the spindle apparatus.
Definition: Spindle apparatus - The structure composed of microtubules that guides chromosome movement during cell division.
Metaphase
In this stage:
- Spindle fibers attach to the centromeres of chromosomes.
- Chromosomes align at the cell's equator, forming the metaphase plate.
Highlight: The alignment of chromosomes at the metaphase plate is a crucial event in mitosis A Level Biology Edexcel and other curricula.
Anaphase
Anaphase is characterized by:
- Division of centromeres, separating sister chromatids.
- Rapid movement of chromatids (now called chromosomes) to opposite poles.
- Mitochondria gathering around spindle fibers to provide energy.
Example: If cells are treated with chemicals that destroy the spindle, chromosomes remain at the equator, unable to reach the poles.
Telophase and Cytokinesis
The final stages of mitosis include:
- Chromosomes reaching their respective poles and decondensing.
- Reformation of the nuclear envelope and nucleolus.
- Disintegration of spindle fibers.
- Division of the cytoplasm (cytokinesis) to complete cell division.
Vocabulary: Cytokinesis - The process of cytoplasmic division that completes cell division.
Understanding these stages is crucial for answering AQA A Level Biology mitosis exam questions and mastering the detailed mitosis stages a level biology gcse content.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
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Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
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Sudenaz Ocak
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Greenlight Bonnie
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I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
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Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
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Stages of Mitosis for AQA A Level & GCSE Biology: Easy Guide
Pritika
@pritikarane_25
Mitosis is a crucial process in cell division, consisting of several stages including interphase and the main mitotic phases. This summary provides a detailed overview of each stage, highlighting key events and cellular changes.
- Interphaseoccupies 90% of the cell... Show more
Mitosis: Stages and Key Events
The process of mitosis is divided into several distinct stages, each characterized by specific cellular events. This page provides a comprehensive overview of the entire mitotic process, from interphase through to cytokinesis.
Interphase (90% of Cell Cycle)
Interphase is the preparatory phase for cell division, consisting of three sub-stages:
- G1 (Gap 1): The cell grows in size.
- S (Synthesis): DNA replication occurs.
- G2 (Gap 2): Further growth in preparation for mitosis.
Vocabulary: Interphase - The stage of the cell cycle where the cell prepares for division but no actual division takes place.
Prophase
During prophase, several key events occur:
- The nuclear envelope breaks down and disappears.
- Chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes.
- In animal cells, centrioles move to opposite poles of the cell.
- Spindle fibers begin to form, collectively known as the spindle apparatus.
Definition: Spindle apparatus - The structure composed of microtubules that guides chromosome movement during cell division.
Metaphase
In this stage:
- Spindle fibers attach to the centromeres of chromosomes.
- Chromosomes align at the cell's equator, forming the metaphase plate.
Highlight: The alignment of chromosomes at the metaphase plate is a crucial event in mitosis A Level Biology Edexcel and other curricula.
Anaphase
Anaphase is characterized by:
- Division of centromeres, separating sister chromatids.
- Rapid movement of chromatids (now called chromosomes) to opposite poles.
- Mitochondria gathering around spindle fibers to provide energy.
Example: If cells are treated with chemicals that destroy the spindle, chromosomes remain at the equator, unable to reach the poles.
Telophase and Cytokinesis
The final stages of mitosis include:
- Chromosomes reaching their respective poles and decondensing.
- Reformation of the nuclear envelope and nucleolus.
- Disintegration of spindle fibers.
- Division of the cytoplasm (cytokinesis) to complete cell division.
Vocabulary: Cytokinesis - The process of cytoplasmic division that completes cell division.
Understanding these stages is crucial for answering AQA A Level Biology mitosis exam questions and mastering the detailed mitosis stages a level biology gcse content.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user