The Process of Mitosis Illustrated

Mitosis is a five stage process that results in diploid daughter cells which are genetically identical to the parent cell.

interphase.gif - 4331 Bytesa. Interphase: The first stage, in which the DNA begins to divide within the nucleus.

prophase.gif - 4497 Bytesb. Prophase: The second stage, in which the chromosomes become visible, the nucleus dissolves, and centrioles form and move to opposite ends of the cell.

metaphase.gif - 4479 Bytesc. Metaphase: The third stage, in which the chromosomes line up in the center of the cell in a body called a centromere, while spindle fibers form attached to the centrioles.

anaphase.gif - 4445 Bytesd. Anaphase: The fourth stage, in which the centromeres divide, separating each strand of chromosome into two, which are pulled to opposite ends of the cell by the spindle fibers and centrioles.

telophase.gif - 4367 Bytese. Telophase: The fifth stage, in which the nuclear membrane and nucleus reforms around the chromosomes, and the cell is ready to complete cell division.

Here is a view of the cells in an onion root tip, many of which are undergoing mitosos cells onion root tip.gif - 46129 Bytes

Here is an animation of the process of mitosis, including the entire cell cycle. cell_cycle_animation.gif - 127152 Bytes


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