Cell BiologyVery High Exam FrequencyAQAEdexcelOCRWJEC

Mitosis and the Cell Cycle

Cell division by mitosis, cell cycle phases, chromosome behavior, cytokinesis differences, stem cells, cancer, and practical investigations

What you'll cover

  • Mitosis definition and purpose
  • Reasons for cell division (growth, repair, asexual reproduction)
  • Cell cycle phases (G1, S, G2, M)
  • DNA replication timing in S phase
  • Mitosis stages (prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase)
  • Chromosome and chromatid behavior
  • Spindle fiber function and chromosome separation
  • Cytokinesis differences (animal vs plant cells)
  • Importance of identical daughter cells
  • Cell division calculations (exponential growth)
  • Cell cycle control and checkpoints
  • Cancer as uncontrolled cell division
  • Stem cells and differentiation
  • Practical applications (wound healing, tissue replacement)
  • Root tip mitotic index investigations

Sample Flashcards

Define mitosis
Mitosis is the process of nuclear division that produces two genetically identical diploid cells from one diploid cell. It is used for growth and repair in multicellular organisms.
Give three reasons why cells divide
1. Growth - increasing cell numbers for organism development 2. Repair - replacing damaged or dead cells 3. Asexual reproduction - creating identical offspring

Sample Questions

What is mitosis?

  • A. Nuclear division producing two genetically identical cells
  • B. The formation of gametes with half the chromosome number
  • C. The fusion of two nuclei during fertilization
  • D. The process by which cells grow larger without dividing
1 markfoundation

Describe what happens during interphase to prepare a cell for mitosis.

3 marksstandard

18

exam-style questions

18

revision flashcards

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