# Mitosis

Cell division that makes two identical cells. It is used for growth and for repairing the body.

Biology (school) · Part 05: Genes and inheritance · Card 8 of 11 · Last updated 2026-10-19

## Analogy

A photocopier making an exact copy of a page.

## In practice

When you graze your knee, mitosis makes new skin cells to fill the gap.

## Practice

### Flashcards

- **How many cells does mitosis make, and how do they compare?** Two cells, genetically identical to the parent cell.

### Interview questions

**Compare mitosis and meiosis.**

- Mitosis makes two identical cells, meiosis makes four different cells
- Mitosis keeps the full chromosome number, meiosis halves it
- Mitosis is for growth and repair, meiosis makes gametes
- Meiosis creates variation

## Questions people ask

### What are the stages of mitosis?

First the cell copies its DNA, so each chromosome has two identical strands. Then the chromosomes line up in the middle and the strands are pulled to opposite ends. Finally the cell splits in two, with a nucleus in each. The two new cells match the parent cell.

### Why is cell division in cancer a problem?

Normal cells divide only when the body needs them to. Cancer cells ignore these signals and keep dividing, creating a mass of cells called a tumour. The tumour takes space and nutrients from healthy tissue, and cells that break away can spread and form new tumours elsewhere.

## Related concepts

- [Meiosis](https://studyvisually.com/learn/science/biology-school/biology-school-part-5/biology-school-part-5-concept-9)

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