is the process of cell division or growing more cells. Before a cell can divide, it must
its DNA. Prior to replicating the DNA, the chromosomes grow and prepare themselves for DNA replication in the
phase. The chromosomes replicate themselves in the S or
phase of the cell cycle. After the S phase, the cell goes through the
phase where it prepares itself for mitosis. The G1, S, and G2 stages are collectively called
. The first stage of mitosis involves the condensing of chromosomes and the disappearance of the nuclear envelope; this stages is known as
. In the
stage, the sister chromatids align on an equatorial plate. The sister chromatids separate and each chromosome moves to an opposite pole during
. During
, the chromatin expands, the nuclear envelope reappears, and the two nuclei appear in the cell. During
, the cytoplasm divides, and the cell splits into two cells. Mitosis occurs in eukaryotic cells; a similar process called
occurs in prokaryotic cells.
The process described is cell division, which involves the replication and separation of chromosomes. Before cell division can occur, the DNA must be replicated. This happens in the S phase of the cell cycle. The cell also goes through the G1 and G2 phases, which together with the S phase are collectively referred to as interphase.
The first stage of mitosis is called prophase, where the chromosomes condense and the nuclear envelope disappears. Following prophase is metaphase, where the sister chromatids align on the equatorial plate. Anaphase is the next stage, during which the sister chromatids separate and move to opposite poles of the cell. Telophase follows, during which the chromatin expands, the nuclear envelope reappears, and two nuclei form.
After mitosis, cytokinesis occurs, during which the cytoplasm divides and the cell splits into two daughter cells. It is important to note that mitosis occurs in eukaryotic cells, while prokaryotic cells undergo a similar process called binary fission.