mitózou

Mitózou is a term that refers to the process of cell division in eukaryotic organisms. This process results in two daughter cells that are genetically identical to the parent cell. Mitosis is crucial for growth, repair, and asexual reproduction. It is a continuous process, but it is conventionally divided into several distinct phases: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.

During prophase, the chromosomes condense and become visible, and the nuclear envelope begins to break down. In metaphase, the chromosomes align at the center of the cell, forming the metaphase plate. Anaphase follows, where the sister chromatids separate and are pulled to opposite poles of the cell by the spindle fibers. Finally, during telophase, the chromosomes decondense, new nuclear envelopes form around the two sets of chromosomes, and the cytoplasm divides through a process called cytokinesis. Cytokinesis usually overlaps with telophase, completing the formation of two separate daughter cells.

Mitosis ensures that each new cell receives a complete set of chromosomes. This precise duplication is vital for maintaining the genetic integrity of an organism's cells throughout its life. Errors in mitosis can lead to aneuploidy, a condition where cells have an abnormal number of chromosomes, which can contribute to developmental disorders and cancer.