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Mitosis Study Guide
Phases of Cell Division - Characteristics

Interphase – the first and longest stage of the cell cycle that prepares a parent
cell for mitosis
o Cell grows and DNA duplicates

Mitosis – contains 4 phases; prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase

Cytokinesis – completes the process of cell division
o Creates duplicate chromosomes (sister chromosomes) in the new, identical
daughter cells
Phases of Mitosis – Characteristics
1. Prophase
a. Spindle fibers are formed to aid in cell division
b. Nuclear membrane dissolves
c. Chromatin thickens and condenses into chromosomes
2. Metaphase
a. Chromosomes line up in the middle of the cell
3. Anaphase
a. Chromosomes pairs pull apart and begin their journey to opposite
ends of the cell
4. Telophase
a. New nuclear membranes are formed around each set of chromatin
b. Chromosomes finalize their journey to the ends of the cell
Mitosis in Animal Cells vs. Mitosis in Plant Cells
Animal Cells

The cell membrane squeezes around the middle of the cell

The cytoplasm pinches the cell in two, creating a “cleavage furrow”
Plant Cells

A cell plate forms between two new nuclei

Cell plate (made of cellulose) develops into new cell membranes

New cell walls form around the cell membranes