The process of mitosis is divided into stages corresponding to the completion of one set of activities and the start of the next. The different stages of mitosis altogether define the mitotic phase (M phase) of a cell cycle-the division of the mother cell into two daughter cells genetically identical to each other. Mitosis is preceded by the S phase of interphase (during which DNA replication occurs) and is followed by telophase and cytokinesis which divides the cytoplasm, organelles and cell membrane of one cell into two new cells containing roughly equal shares of these cellular components. Cell division by mitosis is an equational division which gives rise to genetically identical cells in which the total number of chromosomes is maintained. Mitosis ( / m aɪ ˈ t oʊ s ɪ s/) is a part of the cell cycle in which replicated chromosomes are separated into two new nuclei. pair of daughter-cells shortly after division nuclei preparing for division (spireme-stage)Ĭ. Label-free live cell imaging of mesenchymal stem cells undergoing mitosis Onion cells in different phases of the cell cycle enlarged 800 diameters.ī. Mitosis divides the chromosomes in a cell nucleus. Mitosis in the animal cell cycle (phases ordered counter-clockwise). For the parasitic infestation, see Myiasis. For excessive constriction of the pupils, see Miosis. For the type of cell division in sexually reproducing organisms used to produce gametes, see Meiosis.
