Cell BiologyTopic Summary
Topic Summary: Mitosis and the Cell Cycle
Part of Mitosis and the Cell Cycle — GCSE Biology
This topic summary covers Topic Summary: 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
Topic Summary: 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 cell number)
- Repair and replacement of damaged cells
- Asexual reproduction
Mitosis vs Meiosis
- Mitosis → 2 identical cells (diploid)
- Meiosis → 4 different cells (haploid)
- Mitosis = body cells; Meiosis = sex cells
Calculation
- Number of cells = 2ⁿ (n = number of divisions)
- n = total time ÷ time per division
Memory Aid
- IPMAT: Interphase, Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase
- "I Picked My Apples Today"
- M = Middle; A = Apart; T = Two nuclei