# Mitosis

Division of the nucleus that produces two genetically identical daughter nuclei. Stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase. It is used for growth and repair.

Biology (university) · Part 06: Cell cycle, mitosis and meiosis · Card 3 of 8 · Last updated 2026-10-19

## Analogy

Photocopying a document and sending identical copies to two offices.

## Example

**Chromosome count**

Before S phase: 46 chromosomes.
After S phase: 46 (92 chromatids).
After mitosis, each cell: 46.

## In practice

Humans start mitosis with 46 chromosomes and end with two cells of 46 each.

## Practice

### Flashcards

- **Which phase of mitosis separates the sister chromatids?** Anaphase.

### Interview questions

**Compare mitosis and meiosis in terms of purpose, number of divisions, daughter cells and genetic variation.**

- Mitosis for growth and repair, meiosis for gametes
- Mitosis one division, meiosis two
- Mitosis two identical diploid cells
- Meiosis four haploid cells, varied

## Questions people ask

### Why do chromosomes condense before division?

Chromosomes are very long threads of DNA. If they stayed loose, they would tangle and break when pulled apart. Coiling them into short, thick rods makes them easy to move as intact units. They loosen again after division so that genes can be read.

### What does the spindle do?

The spindle is a structure made of microtubules. Fibres attach to the centromere of each chromosome and pull. They first line the chromosomes up at the middle of the cell and then pull sister chromatids to opposite poles, so each daughter cell gets one full set.

## Related concepts

- [Meiosis](https://studyvisually.com/learn/science/biology-university/biology-university-part-6/biology-university-part-6-concept-6)
- [Cell cycle](https://studyvisually.com/learn/science/biology-university/biology-university-part-6/biology-university-part-6-concept-1)
- [Cell cycle checkpoint](https://studyvisually.com/learn/science/biology-university/biology-university-part-6/biology-university-part-6-concept-2)
- [Cytokinesis](https://studyvisually.com/learn/science/biology-university/biology-university-part-6/biology-university-part-6-concept-4)

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