Mitosis:
Takes one cell and replicates it into four cells, each with half of the original cells genetic information.
Takes one cell and replicates it into two genetically identical cells.
Takes two cells one from each parent and replicates it into four genetically unique cells.
Takes one cell and replicates it into two genetically unique cells.
Mitosis is a type of cell division that occurs in eukaryotic cells, resulting in the formation of two genetically identical daughter cells. It is an essential process for growth, repair, and maintenance of multicellular organisms. Through mitosis, cells can produce new cells with the same genetic information.
During mitosis, the cell undergoes several stages. These include prophase, prometaphase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. In prophase, the DNA condenses into tightly coiled structures called chromosomes, and the nuclear membrane begins to break down. Prometaphase involves further breakdown of the nuclear envelope, and the chromosomes attach to spindle fibers that extend from opposite poles of the cell.
In metaphase, the chromosomes line up at the center of the cell, known as the metaphase plate. The spindle fibers attach to the centromere region of each chromosome. Anaphase follows, during which the sister chromatids separate and move towards opposite poles of the cell. Finally, in telophase, the nuclear membrane reforms around the separated chromosomes, and the cell starts to divide into two daughter cells.
These daughter cells contain the same genetic information as the parent cell and are therefore genetically identical. Mitosis is crucial for the growth and development of organisms, as well as for tissue repair and regeneration. It ensures that each new cell receives an accurate copy of the genetic material and maintains the stability and integrity of the organism.