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Information on Cell Division

Cell division is an essential part of human life. Every day your cells divide and create two daughter cells to continue the growth and health of all tissues and organs. Every form of life goes through cell division, even tiny microbes, such as bacteria. The process in which the cell divides is called mitosis. There are several stages of mitosis, each of which follows precise steps to create two exact replicas of the original cell.

  1. Interphase

    • Interphase is a period of time when the cell is processing normal cellular activity and metabolism. At this point, the chromosomes are relaxed, so observers are unable to see the DNA in a microscope. However, the nucleolus appears as a dark spot in the approximate center of the cell. Interphase is a large part of cellular life because it carries out the functions needed by the body for energy synthesis and macro molecule metabolism.

    Prophase

    • During prophase, the chromatin of the chromosomes becomes condensed. Because of the increased density, the chromosomes are able to be observed in a light microscope. Conversely, the nucleolus that was visible in interphase is no longer seen. The centrioles move to opposite ends of the cell, and fibers begin to shape to form the mitotic spindle.

    Metaphase

    • Spindle fibers align the chromosomes along an equatorial planr that cuts through the center of the cell. The planr is referred as the metaphase plate. The purpose of this step is to ensure that each new daughter cell gets one part of each chromosome, ensuring the genetic integrity of the newly formed daughter cells.

    Anaphase

    • In the center of each chromosome is the kinetochore. This attaches the pair of chromosomes together. It is at this part of the chromosome that the spindles split the pairs. The split pairs begin to move towards the opposite sides of the cell where the centrioles are located. These chromatids are pulled down the spindle microtubules through physical polar interactions.

    Telophase

    • At this phase, the chromatids reach the polar ends of the cell. When the chromatids reach the ends, a nucleus begins to develop around the chromosomes. The chromatids relax again, and they are no longer visible in the light microscope. At this stage, the new cells begin to partition.

    Cytokinesis

    • Cytokinesis is the final stage of mitosis where actin filaments contract around the center of the cell and separate the single cell into two separate copies. The result is two identical daughter cells with copies of the original DNA.

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