Mitosis is the process in which cells divide and replicate. It is the final part of the cell cycle, which is the lifespan of cells. The purpose of mitosis is to increase the number of cells. For example, muscle cells will divide to make more muscle cells. These cells undergo mitosis when growing or to replace dying cells. Mitosis contains five parts, Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase, and Cytokinesis.
The first part of mitosis is prophase. In prophase, chromatin, uncoiled DNA found in the nucleus, condenses to form X-shaped figures. These shapes are called chromosomes. In addition, the rest of the nucleus breaks down. Humans are supposed to have 48 chromosomes in every cell that undergoes mitosis. Another part of this phase is centrioles, organelles that help with cell division, moving to the edges of the cell. Lastly, spindle fibers, a string-like organelle that connects the centriole and chromosomes, begin to attach.
Next is metaphase. In this part of mitosis, the centrioles and spindle fibers pull the chromosomes to the middle of the cell. They are now lined up in the center on an imaginary line called the Equatorial Plate.
The following phase is called anaphase. This is when the centrioles and spindle fibers pull the X-shaped chromosomes into two equal pieces to the edges of the cell. These pieces are still referred to as chromosomes, but they now look like < or >. There is an equal amount on both sides.
Then comes telophase, which is almost the reverse of prophase. Due to the fact the chromosomes are on two different sides of the cell, the middle pinches in to separate them. The nuclear membrane forms around each of the sets of chromosomes. Inside of this nuclear membrane, the chromosomes uncoil into chromatin. There are almost two new cells, but there is one last step.
Finally, cytokinesis, the last part of this cell division. In cytokinesis, the cell is cut down the middle and divided into two. In animal cells, the membrane pinches in until the cell breaks apart. However, in plant cells, there is a structure called a cell plate. This structure is formed in between the cells to separate them and later becomes the cell wall. Regardless, two new and identical cells have formed.
Mitosis in the human body can stop viruses from growing, physically grow, and heal injuries. Without mitosis, humans would be the same size their entire life and never be able to survive diseases. It is a significant and crucial process, as well as an interesting one.
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