Cell Cycle and Cell Division
Mitosis
Mitosis is one cell dividing into two identical cells. Each new cell gets a full, exact copy of the chromosomes, so it is used for growth and repair.
After the DNA is copied, mitosis shares it out. The copied chromosomes line up in the middle, then the two copies of each are pulled to opposite ends. The cell then splits into two.
Both daughter cells have the same number of chromosomes as the parent (diploid stays diploid) and the same genes. This is why mitosis makes clones: new skin, new blood, healed wounds.
Where students slip up
Mitosis keeps the chromosome number the same, it does not halve it. Two daughter cells, each identical to the parent. Students often confuse it with meiosis, which halves the number and makes four cells. Mitosis: same number, two cells, identical.
Hold onto this
One cell, two identical copies, same chromosome number.
Why it helps in the exam: the phase order (prophase to telophase) and 'same number, identical cells' are the tested points.
Where this connects
Mitosis makes identical cells for growth; the other division, meiosis, deliberately shuffles and halves to make gametes. Same starting machinery, opposite goals, which is exactly why they are so easy to mix up.
Mitosis vs meiosis →Quick check
A human cell with 46 chromosomes divides by mitosis. Each daughter cell has:
- A23 chromosomes
- B46 chromosomes
- C92 chromosomes
- DIt varies