mitoosis

Mitosis is a fundamental process of cell division that results in the formation of two genetically identical daughter cells from a single parent cell. It plays a crucial role in growth, tissue repair, and asexual reproduction in multicellular organisms. The process is divided into several sequential stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.

During prophase, the chromatin within the nucleus condenses into visible chromosomes, each consisting of two sister chromatids joined at a centromere. The nuclear envelope begins to break down, and the mitotic spindle, a structure composed of microtubules, forms and attaches to the chromosomes. In metaphase, chromosomes align along the cell’s equatorial plane, called the metaphase plate, ensuring proper separation.

Anaphase follows, during which sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles of the cell by the spindle fibers. This ensures that each new cell will receive an identical set of chromosomes. In telophase, the chromosomes reach the poles, begin to decondense back into chromatin, and are enclosed by new nuclear envelopes, re-establishing the nuclei in the daughter cells.

Cytokinesis often overlaps with telophase and involves the division of the cytoplasm, resulting in two separate cells. The regulation of mitosis is tightly controlled by cell cycle checkpoints, which ensure accurate DNA replication and chromosome segregation.

Mitosis is essential for maintaining genetic stability across cell generations and is a key component of cellular life cycle. Dysregulation of mitosis can lead to diseases such as cancer, characterized by uncontrolled cell proliferation.