What is mitosis?

Mitosis is the process by which cells divide and replicate their DNA in order to produce two identical daughter cells. It is a vital process that occurs in all living organisms and is necessary for the growth and repair of tissues.

There are four main stages of mitosis:

1. Prophase: During this stage, the chromosomes within the nucleus of the cell begin to condense and become visible under a microscope. The nucleolus disappears and the nuclear envelope begins to break down.

2. Metaphase: During this stage, the chromosomes align along the equatorial plane of the cell, forming a structure known as the metaphase plate.

3. Anaphase: During this stage, the chromosomes are separated and begin to move towards the opposite poles of the cell. This is facilitated by the action of the mitotic spindle, a structure made up of microtubules that help to pull the chromosomes apart.

4. Telophase: During this stage, the cell begins to divide into two daughter cells. A new nuclear envelope forms around each set of chromosomes and a new nucleolus appears in each nucleus. The cell then undergoes cytokinesis, the process by which the cytoplasm is divided into two separate cells.

It is important to note that mitosis is just one part of the cell cycle, which also includes interphase (the period of time between cell divisions). During interphase, the cell grows and carries out its normal functions, and the DNA is replicated in preparation for the next round of cell division.