Short Answer/Matching: Stages of Mitosis Description

define spindle

microtubules that guide chromosomes during mitosis

what is the purpose of mitosis?

the purpose of mitosis is cell division when new cells are needed.

what is the role of interphase, the mitotic phase, and cytokinesis?

In interphase the cell is doing its job and preparing to divide. During the mitotic phase the nucleus and cell divide to make 2 identical daughter cells. In cytokinesis the cytoplasm divides creating two cells.

Interphase

Interphase has three parts: G1, S, and G2. During G1 the cell grows. During S the chromosomes duplicate. During G2 the cell prepares to divide.

Prophase

The chromosomes become visible, the nuclear envelope breaks up, and the spindle starts to form from the centrioles.

Metaphase

The chromosomes line up across the middle of the cell in a single file and the spindle attaches (to the sister chromatids).

Cytokinesis

The cytoplasm splits; in animal cells the plasma membrane pinches in, while in plant cells a cell plate is formed in between the cells and grows out to sever the 2 cells.

Anaphase

The sister chromatids get pulled apart by the spindles. The microtubules of the spindles pull the chromosome toward opposite ends of the cell.

Telophase

The spindle disappears, the nuclear envelope reforms around each of the new nucleuses (from the sister cells), and the chromosomes unravel.