what is mitosis

mitosis is the process by which one cell can divide to generate two genetically identical daughter cells. It allows a population of cells to increase in numbers.

In mitosis the cell initially creates a copy of each of the 46 chromosomes that make up its genetic identity (23 from father and 23 from mother). The 46 pairs of chromosomes line up along the midline of the cell and are subsequently divided so that each daughter cell has one chromosome from each pair resulting in daughter cell containing 46 individual chromosomes. As each pair contained identical chromosomes the two daughter cells are gentically identical. Only one cell division occurs. the process of mitosis can be broken up into 4 phases: prophase metaphase anaphase and telophase.

MK
Answered by Milan K. Biology tutor

2632 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How do vaccinations help build immunity against diseases?


What is the best way to memorise things for an exam?


explain diffusion and give an example


Draw a punnet square between two carriers of cystic fibrosis and from this, work out the odds of their child being affected with CF.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences