BiologyCell cycle and cell divisionClass 9Class 11

Mitosis step by step: interactive simulation

Mitosis divides one cell into two identical cells with the same number of chromosomes. It is how you grow and how wounds heal.

Useful for: NEET, CBSE Boards

Try this

Here 2n = 4: two long and two short chromosomes, with maternal copies in rose and paternal copies in blue. Step through the stages and keep an eye on the counts — the chromosome number doubles in anaphase, not in S phase.

  1. 1

    Go from Interphase to Prophase.

    What you should see

    Thread-like chromatin condenses into visible X-shaped chromosomes, each with two sister chromatids.

  2. 2

    Stop at Metaphase.

    What you should see

    All four chromosomes sit on the equator with spindle fibres from both poles — the best stage to count chromosomes.

  3. 3

    Watch the counts change at Anaphase.

    What you should see

    Chromosomes go from 4 to 8 because each chromatid is now counted as a chromosome. DNA stays 4C.

  4. 4

    Finish with Cytokinesis.

    What you should see

    Two cells, each with 4 chromosomes and 2C DNA — identical to the parent cell.

Formulas behind it

After S phase

2n chromosomes, 4C DNA2n \text{ chromosomes},\ 4C \text{ DNA}

Anaphase

chromosomes: 2n→4n (temporarily)\text{chromosomes: } 2n \to 4n \text{ (temporarily)}

Each daughter cell

2n chromosomes, 2C DNA2n \text{ chromosomes},\ 2C \text{ DNA}

Common mistakes

  • Thinking the chromosome number doubles in S phase. DNA doubles; the chromosome number stays the same until anaphase.
  • Mixing up mitosis and meiosis. Homologous chromosomes do not pair in mitosis.
  • Saying plant cells form a cleavage furrow. They form a cell plate.
Practise 4 questionsCheck your answer instantly, with a worked solution.Stuck on a mitosis step by step question?Snap it and get a whiteboard video solution.

FAQ

Which stage of mitosis is the longest?

Prophase is usually the longest stage of mitosis itself, though interphase takes most of the whole cell cycle.

Why is mitosis called equational division?

The daughter cells get exactly the same number and kind of chromosomes as the parent cell.

Where does mitosis happen in plants?

Mainly in meristems — the growing tips of roots and shoots and the cambium.

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