MITOSIS

The nature of replicating cells

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eproduction: Not as simple as it look
 Reproduction presents a major problem for cells and organisms:
(how can information be transmitted faithfully to progeny)

= one bit of
genetic information
I

II

III

IV
The information transfer problem becomes more challenging as
more bits of information are incorporated into the organism

= one bit of
genetic information
One of life’s solutions to this challenge: “Package” the
bits of information into single units called chromosomes

= one bit of
genetic information
Packaging of genetic material in prokaryotes and eukaryotes
prokaryote cell

eukaryote cell

chromosomes
 Fig
© 2003 John Wiley and Sons Publishers 2.4 The structure of a highly condensed, replicated chromosome.
A Chromosome
 BASIC GENETICS
• Each cell in the human body contains two sets of 23
chromosomes

• Mitosis identically replicates this information

• Each cell therefore has the same

genetic material

• Reproductive cells only have

one set of chromosomes. These
combine to make a new person
with different genetic material to
both parents
 The cell cycle.

© 2003 John Wiley and Sons Publishers

The Stages of the Cell
Cycle

Mitosis
 M stage
Mitotic Stage
The nucleus and cytoplasm
split to make two new cells
known as DIPLOID cells
STAGES OF MITOSIS
Every dividing tissue cell in the body is always
at a stage of the cell cycle. Whether it is at :-
Interphase
Cytokinesis
Prophase
Metaphase
Anaphase
Telophase Thus enabling the body
to continuously make
Diagram showing
new body tissue for
the Stages of
Mitosis growth and repair.
Prophase The
Stages
of
Mitosis
Interphase
Metaphase

Anaphase Telophase
 The Spindle
A spindle is a web type structure made up
of microtubule fibres. It is essential for
mitosis because it arranges the
chromosomes into their correct positions in
preparation for cell division.
Mitotic centre

A cell at metaphase a spindle

Microtubule
Chromosomes attached to spindle
during nuclear division
INTERPHASE
After a cell has divided, the two
new cells begin the process again,
the cells at this stage are in
Interphase.

It is divided into three mini stages:- G1

S
Cell cycle G2
Eukaryotic chromsome replicating
PROPHASE
• The chromatin (unravelled DNA)
in the nucleus, condenses to
form pairs of chromosomes.
• As this is happening the nucleolus
begins to break down

• The centrioles move to opposite

ends of the nucleus.
• Nuclear membrane begins to break down
Prophase

• Chromatin
condenses
(remember that
chromatin/DNA
replicate during
Interphase), the
nuclear envelope
dissolves, centrioles
(if present) divide and
migrate, the spindle
forms.
METAPHASE
• The spindle becomes
fully developed
• The chromatid pairs
place themselves
onto individual fibres
and are aligned along
the centre of the
spindle

• The nuclear membrane has completely gone

ANAPHASE
• The chromatid pairs are
split into two
(This is done by movement
of the spindle fibres)
• The pairs then travel to
opposite ends of the
spindle
• The halved chromatids are
now called chromosomes
TELOPHASE
Two new nuclei are formed when
the chromosomes reach the
opposite poles of the cell
The nuclear membrane is formed- the nucleolus
reappears
The chromosomes disperse in the nucleus
 REMEMBER!
• Interphase
• Prophase
• Metaphase IPMA
• Anaphase
• Telophase
T
Mitosis in animal cells.

© 2003 John Wiley and Sons Publishers

 CYTOKINESIS
• Literally means, division of the
cytoplasm

• Mitosis is the splitting of the nucleus.

Cytokinesis is the splitting of cytoplasm

• It usually begins during ANAPHASE

 Kangaroo epithelial
kidney cell going through
mitotic division.

The work of Mr Paul Maddox. The Mitosis World website.

Mitosis and cell plate

formation in a flattened
endosperm cell of the
African bloodlily
Haementhus Katherininae.
Observed with place contrast microscopy.
The work of Shinya Inoue and Rudolf Oldenbourge.The Mitosis World Website.
Cell Turnover - The speed of
mitosis
Although you may have seen a speeded up video of
mitosis in action. One full cycle can vary between a
couple of minutes to days.

For example skin and epithelial cells have a rapid

turnover in the human body in order to replace the
ones constantly being worn away.

Cells which make up organs such as the eye and

the brain, need not multiply as often once they reach
adult size.
Click here for movies
Organs which need to
produce new cells
continuously have the
highest turnover.

For example:-
Bone marrow-
producing replacement
blood cells
The testes - producing

semen
Tumours
Abnormalities can sometimes occur in cells
which reproduce at a rapid rate, this in turn may
lead to the formation of tumours.

Tumours of any type should be considered

serious.

Although benign tumours do not usually cause a

threat to a persons life, they can cause great
inconvenience if not treated.