Knowledge Organiser: Mitosis and the Cell Cycle
Part of Mitosis and the Cell Cycle · GCSE GCSE Biology revision
This topic summary covers Knowledge Organiser: Mitosis and the Cell Cycle within Mitosis and the Cell Cycle for GCSE Biology. Cell division by mitosis, cell cycle phases, chromosome behavior, cytokinesis differences, stem cells, cancer, and practical investigations It is section 19 of 19 in this topic. Use this topic summary to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 19 of 19
Practice
18 questions
Recall
18 flashcards
Knowledge Organiser: Mitosis and the Cell Cycle
Key Definitions
- Mitosis: Division producing 2 identical daughter cells
- Cell cycle: Interphase + mitosis + cytokinesis
- Interphase: ~90% of cycle; growth and DNA replication
- Chromatid: One of two identical strands of a duplicated chromosome
- Centromere: Where two chromatids are joined
Stages of Mitosis (PMAT)
- Prophase: Chromosomes condense; nuclear envelope breaks down
- Metaphase: Chromosomes line up at the equator
- Anaphase: Chromatids pulled to opposite poles
- Telophase: Two new nuclei form
- Cytokinesis: Cytoplasm divides → two daughter cells
Why Mitosis?
- Growth — increase in cell number in multicellular organisms
- Repair and replacement of damaged or worn-out cells (e.g. skin, gut lining)
- Asexual reproduction (e.g. in bacteria, yeast, plants via runners)
- Grade 7+: all daughter cells are genetically identical to the parent cell and to each other — this is essential for maintaining the organism's genetic information in every body cell
Mitosis vs Meiosis
- Mitosis → 2 genetically identical daughter cells, both diploid (same chromosome number as parent)
- Meiosis → 4 genetically different daughter cells, all haploid (half the chromosome number)
- Mitosis = growth and repair of body cells; Meiosis = production of gametes (sex cells)
- Human body cells: 46 chromosomes (diploid, 2n); human gametes: 23 chromosomes (haploid, n)
Calculation
- Number of cells after n divisions = 2ⁿ
- Number of divisions = total time ÷ time per division
- Example: after 4 divisions, 2⁴ = 16 cells
Memory Aid
- IPMAT: Interphase, Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase
- "I Picked My Apples Today"
- M = chromosomes line up at the Middle; A = chromatids pulled Apart to opposite poles; T = Two new nuclei form
Common Mistakes
- Writing "chromosomes are pulled apart" in anaphase: In anaphase it is the chromatids (sister chromatids) that are pulled to opposite poles — not whole chromosomes. Each chromatid becomes a chromosome in the new cell. This distinction is a mark-scheme requirement.
- Confusing mitosis with meiosis: Mitosis produces 2 genetically identical diploid cells for growth and repair. Meiosis produces 4 genetically different haploid cells for gamete production. Writing "mitosis produces haploid cells" is a common and penalised error.
- Forgetting DNA replication before division: DNA is replicated during interphase, before mitosis begins. If asked what must happen before a cell can divide, always state: "DNA is copied so each daughter cell receives a full copy of the genetic information."
- Stating daughter cells have half the chromosomes: After mitosis, each daughter cell is diploid and has the same chromosome number as the parent cell (46 in humans). It is meiosis that halves the chromosome number.
- Saying chromosomes "appear" in prophase: Chromosomes exist as chromatin throughout the cell cycle. In prophase they condense and become visible under a microscope — they do not appear from nowhere.
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Practice Questions for Mitosis and the Cell Cycle
What is mitosis?
Describe what happens during interphase to prepare a cell for mitosis.
Quick Recall Flashcards
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