Understanding Mitosis

1. The light microscope photos below show a dividing cell at various stages of mitosis. Cut them out and arrange them into the order you believe cell division will occur.

2. Now try to match these pictures to their relevant light microscope photo.

3. Now try to match these definitions to their pictures. Two of these definitions belong to one picture. Interphase: The cell grows by synthesising proteins and producing cytoplasmic organelles. Chromosomes are duplicated in preparation for mitosis but are not yet observable under the light microscope. Prophase: Chromatin condenses into chromosomes that are observable under the light microscope. Mitotic spindle begins to form from each centriole. Metaphase: Chromosomes align themselves along the equator (metaphase plate). Centrosomes reach opposite poles of the cell and attach spindle fibres to the chromosomes. Anaphase: The chromosomes separate. The centrosomes begin to pull one copy of each chromosome towards opposite poles of the cell. Telophase: The cell elongates and the chromosome are drawn still further apart. A nuclear envelope begins to form at each pole. Cytokinesis: two. The cell begins to cleave (cleavage furrow) and the plasma membrane pinches the cell in

4. Paste your completed mitotic sequence into your workbook. Try to create an anagram for the various stages of mitosis to help you remember the phases.

Interphase and the Mitotic Stages

A dividing cell alternates between two stages- interphase and mitosis.

Interphase is characterised by 3 subphases of it's own. G1 phase S phase G2 phase During all three subphases the cell grows by synthesising proteins and producing cytoplasmic organelles. Only during the the S phase, however, are chromosomes duplicated in preparation for mitosis.

Interphase and the Mitotic Stages

A dividing cell alternates between two stages- interphase and mitosis.

Interphase is characterised by 3 subphases of it's own. G1 phase S phase G2 phase During all three subphases the cell grows by synthesising proteins and producing cytoplasmic organelles. Only during the the S phase, however, are chromosomes duplicated in preparation for mitosis.