by Trista Lopez
Copyright © 2017
Cell Cycle… Mitosis
Copyright © 2017
Cell Cycle
Everywhere in your body are cells which need to divide as you grow, or help you repair little cuts. There is a certain way the cells do these things though, it’s called the cell division or the cell cycle. Throughout the cell cycle there are 6 phase. Four of the six phases are apart of one big step called Mitosis. This is what allows your cells to split and grow more.
Interphase
Interphase is the first step to the process of the cycle. Almost all of the cells in you right now are in this first stage. During this stage your cells are preparing to go into prophase, but we will get into that later. In this stage your chromosomes, which hold all your DNA or genes, are making copies of themselves. Having the chromosomes copy each other gives both the cells the right amount of chromosomes needed.
Prophase
Prophase is the first stage of Mitosis. During this stage, the DNA is condensing or thickening, and the nucleus is still intact. If you ask what a nucleus is, it is the organelle that stores the chromosomes before and after cell division. During prophase the nucleus slowly begins to wear down, and the chromosomes start to form into ´X´ formations. The spindle fibers, strings that pull the chromosomes apart later, are slowing inching closer to the center where the chromosomes are located.
Metaphase
Metaphase is the third step in the cell cycle, but the second phase in Mitosis. Metaphase is one of the simpler phases because all the chromosomes line up in the middle and wait for anaphase. Also, the nucleus is gone at this point allowing anaphase to come in next and work magic. The spindle fibers are now attached to each side of the chromosomes.
Anaphase
Good old anaphase. During anaphase, the chromosomes are pulled apart. This is one of the most exciting stages of Mitosis. The spindle fibers are now shortening and slowly pulling those chromosomes apart so they can be apart of the new cell. Anaphase makes sure that both of the cells are identical with the same DNA.
Telophase
Telophase, the 5th step in the cell cycle. This phase is where the nucleus comes back into play, it slowly starts forming two nuclei for the two new cells. Along with the phase, there are once again 46 chromosomes. All the chromosomes are starting to unwind again and start to form the DNA pattern. Within this stage, the cytoplasm is starting to tear down the middle. The cytoplasm is the outer edge protecting the cell.
Cytokinesis
The cells have finally made it to the end of the cycle! Cytokinesis is the final stage in the cell cycle, and this stage is the one where the cells split apart and there are two cells. After this stage the whole cycle repeats whenever your body is injured or you need to grow some more.
Published: Mar 7, 2017
Latest Revision: Mar 13, 2017
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