Question

Define mitosis, and list its four stages.

a. Mitosis is the division of a cell into two identical daughter cells. The four stages are prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.
b. Mitosis is the division of a cell into four non-identical gametes. The four stages are prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.
c. Mitosis is the replication of DNA prior to cell division. The four stages are unwinding, primer binding, elongation, and ligation.
d. Mitosis is the division of a cell into two identical daughter cells. The four stages are G0, G1, S, and G2.
e. Mitosis is the division of a cell into four non-identical gametes. The four stages are G0, G1, S, and G2.

Answer 1

Mitosis is the process by which a cell divides to form two genetically identical daughter cells, consisting of the five stages: prophase, prometaphase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase, followed by cytokinesis.

Step-by-step explanation:

Mitosis is a phase in the eukaryotic cell cycle that ensures that two daughter cells receive an identical copy of DNA from a single parent cell. It involves a series of stages that lead to the division of the cell nucleus, collectively termed as karyokinesis. These stages are known as prophase, prometaphase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. This process concludes with cytokinesis, where the cytoplasm divides, resulting in two genetically identical daughter cells. Mitosis occurs in all normally dividing cells except for germ cells involved in the production of gametes.

During prophase, the chromosomes condense and the nuclear envelope begins to disintegrate. During prometaphase, the chromosomes continue to condense and the spindle apparatus begins to form. During metaphase, chromosomes align at the cell's equatorial plane. Then in anaphase, the chromatids separate and move to opposite poles of the cell. Telophase marks the reformation of the nuclear envelope around the separated chromosomes.