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| Mitosis is a form of asexual reproduction. Its purpose is to create identical cells. |
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| Mitosis consists of the following phases in this order: |
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| Interphase - Most cells are in interphase. Some cells never divide and spend their entire lives in this phase. During interphase, cells can grow, make proteins, and undergo other life processes. If the cell is going to divide, DNA Replication will take place and duplicate the chromosomes. |
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| Prophase - This is the first stage in mitosis where you will be able to see chromosomes with the light microscope. It is also considered to be the first true stage of mitosis. During this stage, the nuclear membrane disappears. In animal cells, the centriole divides and then they move to opposite poles of the cell. |
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| Metaphase - In this phase, the chromosomes line up in the center of the cell. |
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| Anaphase - Now the doubled chromosomes pull apart and move to opposite poles of the cell. |
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| Telophase - The cell begins to divide. Nuclear membranes begin to form again. |
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| Mitosis looks very similar in animal and plant cells. There are two differences. One is that only the animal cells have centrioles, and therefore only divide in the animal cells. The second difference is the way they divide. Plant cells form a cell plate that forms in the middle of the dividing cell. Animal cells pinch together. We refer to this as a cleavage furrow. |
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| Test your knowledge with these six interactive questions. If you are unsure of the terms used with mitosis then practice with this game. |
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