GCSE Biology · Edexcel 1BI0 · Topic 2A
Mitosis and the cell cycle
Key points
- The cell cycle has stages: interphase (the cell grows, makes more organelles and copies its DNA), then mitosis, then cytokinesis.
- Stages of mitosis: prophase (chromosomes condense, nuclear membrane breaks down), metaphase (chromosomes line up in the middle), anaphase (chromatids pulled to opposite ends), telophase (new nuclear membranes form).
- Cytokinesis: the cytoplasm and cell membrane divide to give two cells.
- Mitosis makes two diploid daughter cells that are genetically identical to the parent cell.
- Mitosis is used for growth, repair of damaged tissue and asexual reproduction.
- Cancer is the result of changes in cells that lead to uncontrolled cell division, forming a tumour.
- Each daughter cell receives a full copy of every chromosome, so a human body cell still has 46 chromosomes after mitosis.
Topic notesPremium
Your body makes millions of new cells every second to grow and to replace worn-out or damaged ones. This sub-topic explains the cell cycle, the stages of mitosis and why uncontrolled division leads to cancer.
Unlock the full notes with Premium
Premium includes full topic notes, the paper generator, self-quizzes and progress tracking.
Practise this topicPremium
Premium members can generate an exam-style paper with a mark scheme, or take a quick quiz, on Mitosis and the cell cycle.