Science
What is Mitosis?
Mitosis is the process by which a cell divides to produce two identical daughter cells, each with the same DNA as the original. It's how organisms grow, repair tissue, and replace old cells.
See it, don’t just read it.
Watch a 2-minute lesson with voice + animation that explains mitosis.
Key things to understand
- 1One cell duplicates its DNA, then splits into two identical cells.
- 2It proceeds through phases: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.
- 3It produces genetically identical cells (unlike meiosis, which makes sex cells).
- 4It enables growth, healing, and the constant renewal of your body.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the purpose of mitosis?
- Growth, tissue repair, and replacing worn-out cells with genetically identical new ones.
- How is mitosis different from meiosis?
- Mitosis makes two identical cells for growth and repair; meiosis makes four genetically varied sex cells for reproduction.
- What are the stages of mitosis?
- Prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase, followed by the cell splitting (cytokinesis).