Cell Cycle: Cell Division by Mitosis

1. Cell Cycle: Cell Division by Mitosis

2. Interphase Interphase is the phase of the cell cycle in which the cell spends the majority of its time and performs the majority of its purposes including preparation for cell division. In preparation for cell division, it increases its size and makes a copy of its DNA. Interphase is also considered to be the 'living' phase of the cell, in which the cell obtains nutrients, grows, reads its DNA, and conducts other "normal" cell functions. The majority of eukaryotic cells spend most of their time in interphase.

3. Prophase Centrioles Sister Chromatids Prophase, is a stage of mitosis in which the chromatin, DNA, condenses into double rod-shaped structures called chromosomes in which the chromatin becomes visible. There are two identical copies of each chromosome in the cell. Those copies are called sister chromatids. Centrioles move to opposite sides of the cell and form spindle fibers. The nucleus also begins to disintegrate.

4. Metaphase Metaphase, is a stage of mitosis in the eukaryotic cell cycle in which condensed & highly coiled chromosomes align in the middle of the cellbefore being separated into each of the two daughter cells. Metaphase accounts for approximately 4% of the cell cycle's duration. In metaphase, the centromeres(middle) of the chromosomes align themselves on the metaphase plate an imaginary line that is equidistant from the two centrosome poles.

5. Anaphase Anaphase, is the stage of mitosis when chromosomes are split and the sister chromatids move to opposite poles of the cell. Anaphase accounts for approximately 1% of the cell cycle's duration. Separase is unleashed and breaks down cohesin, a protein responsible for holding sister chromatids together. The centromeres are split, and the new daughter chromosomes are pulled toward the poles. They take on a V-shape as they are pulled back.

6. Telophase Telophase, is the final stage in a eukaryotic cell. During telophase, the nucleus and the nucleolus reformed in the new daughter cells. The nuclear membranes re-form around each set of chromatids. The chromosomes also unwind back into the uncondensed DNA that is present during interphase. Telophase accounts for approximately 2% of the cell cycle's duration