Mitosis
Mitosis makes two identical daughter cells.
About this topic
Mitosis is nuclear division producing two genetically identical diploid daughter cells, used for growth, repair and asexual reproduction. Stages: prophase (chromosomes condense, spindle forms), metaphase (chromosomes line up at the equator), anaphase (sister chromatids pulled apart) and telophase (nuclei re-form), followed by cytokinesis.
Each chromosome has been copied in the S phase, so each daughter receives a full set. Onion root tips are commonly stained to see mitosis under a microscope.
You can remember the stages as PMAT: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase. During prophase the chromosomes, already doubled into two sister chromatids, condense; in metaphase they line up across the cell equator; in anaphase the spindle pulls the chromatids to opposite poles; and in telophase new nuclei form. A root tip squash stained and viewed under the microscope lets you count cells in each stage.
Mitosis explains how a wound heals and how a single fertilised egg grows into a body. Because the daughter cells are identical, organisms such as Hydra and strawberry plants can clone themselves. A common mistake is saying mitosis makes four cells or cells with half the chromosomes; that is meiosis. Another is mixing up chromosomes and chromatids.
Key ideas
- Prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase
- Chromosomes line up and separate
- Used for growth and repair
Quick check
Use cases: where Mitosis helps
- Homework: review the key idea behind Mitosis before you start a problem set.
- Exam revision: use the quick check to test whether you can recall Mitosis without notes.
- Visual learning: play with the interactive lab to see how Mitosis changes when you adjust its inputs.
- Teaching a friend: explain Mitosis in your own words, then compare your version with the key ideas.
Biology underpins medicine, farming, conservation and biotechnology.
Frequently asked questions
What is Mitosis?
Mitosis makes two identical daughter cells.
What will I learn in Mitosis?
Prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase. Chromosomes line up and separate. Used for growth and repair.
Is Mitosis part of Biology?
Yes. It is one of 150 Biology topics on LearnViz HighSchoolEdu, with 3 key ideas, a live animation and a quick check.
Does the Mitosis lab work on a phone or tablet?
Yes. The animation resizes to fit your screen and supports touch, so you can drag, tap and slide with your finger.
How should I study Mitosis?
Read the summary and key ideas first, play with the interactive lab to see the idea in motion, then answer the quick check. If you get a question wrong, go back to the key idea it tests.
Do I need an account, and is my progress saved?
No account is needed. Marking a topic as learned is saved in your own browser, so it stays on that device and is not sent to a server.