Cell BiologyDiagram

The Four Stages of Mitosis

Part of Mitosis and the Cell Cycle · GCSE GCSE Biology revision

This diagram covers The Four Stages of Mitosis 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 6 of 19 in this topic. Focus on the labels, the relationships between parts, and the explanation that turns the diagram into an exam-ready answer.

Topic position

Section 6 of 19

Practice

24 questions

Recall

18 flashcards

🧬 The Four Stages of Mitosis

1️⃣ Prophase

Key Events:

Chromosomes condense and become visible under microscope
Each chromosome consists of two identical chromatids
Chromatids joined at the centromere
Nuclear envelope (membrane) starts to break down
Centrioles move to opposite poles in animal cells

🔍 Remember: Chromosomes become clearly visible - like coiled springs

2️⃣ Metaphase

Key Events:

Chromosomes line up at the cell's equator (middle)
Spindle fibers attach to centromeres
Nuclear envelope has completely disappeared
Cell checkpoint ensures all chromosomes are attached

⚖️ Remember: Chromosomes line up in the middle - like soldiers in formation

3️⃣ Anaphase

Key Events:

Chromatids separate and move to opposite poles
Spindle fibers shorten and pull chromatids apart
Each pole gets identical sets of chromosomes
Cell begins to elongate

⬅️➡️ Remember: Chromatids move apart - like a zip being undone

4️⃣ Telophase

Key Events:

Two new nuclear envelopes form around each set of chromosomes at opposite poles
Chromosomes start to uncoil and become less visible
Spindle fibers break down
Two genetically identical nuclei are formed

🎭 Remember: Two new nuclei form - like curtains closing around each set

Quick Check: What is the difference between a chromatid and a chromosome?

Keep building this topic

Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Mitosis and the Cell Cycle. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.

DNA Replication — Higher Detail Cytokinesis: Dividing the Cytoplasm Cell Division: The Story of Growth and Repair The Cell Cycle Overview

Practice Questions for Mitosis and the Cell Cycle

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

Quick Recall Flashcards

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

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.

24 questions on Mitosis and the Cell Cycle — practise free

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DNA Replication — Higher Detail

Cytokinesis: Dividing the Cytoplasm