Assessment Based on Mitosis

Group Members
 Adriel Meusa

 Sophia Balram

 Joshua Hall
Definition of Mitosis
Mitosis, a process of cell duplication, or reproduction, during which one
cell gives rise to two genetically identical daughter cells. Strictly applied,
the term mitosis is used to describe the duplication and distribution
of chromosomes, the structures that carry the genetic information.

Importance of Mitosis
Mitosis is important to multicellular organisms because it provides new
cells for growth and for replacement of worn-out cells, such
as skin cells. Many single-celled organisms rely on mitosis as their
primary means of asexual reproduction.
Diagram illustrating Mitosis

Stages
 Interphase
Technically, the interphase is not a part of mitosis, however, it is still a
crucial process as it leads up to the process of mitosis. Hence, the
interphase refers to all the other stages of cell cycle other than mitosis.
 Prophase
Prophase is technically the first stage of mitosis. It is also the longest
phase of mitosis, where the chromatin condenses into chromosomes
and the nuclear membrane breaks down (in prometaphase). In animal
cells, the centrioles located near the nucleus begin to split and move to
the opposite ends of the cell.
  Metaphase
In metaphase, the microtubules pull on the chromosomes with equal
force, and the chromosome moves to the centre of the cell.
 Anaphase
The anaphase is marked by the splitting of the sister chromatids. These
sister chromatids then become the chromosomes of the daughter
nuclei.
 Telophase
The telophase is the final phase of mitosis. It begins after the replicated,
paired chromosomes are separated and pulled at the opposite ends of
the pole.
 Daughter Cells
Daughter cells are cells that result from the division of a single parent
cell. They are produced by the division processes of mitosis and
meiosis.
Examples of mitosis

Tissue Repair
When an organism is injured, mitosis occurs to replace the damaged
cells. This repair is especially important for skin and blood vessels,
which protect and oxygenate muscles and organs in the body. Mitosis
also helps replace blood lost through a wound. In certain organisms,
like lizards, mitosis can replace entire lost limbs such as tails or legs.
Growth
As plants and animals age, most also grow. Mitosis creates the cells
necessary to add more mass to the body, as well as more cells to cope
with the growth, such as new blood cells. It should be noted that not all
cells in the human body undergo mitosis or other forms of
reproduction. Nerves and muscle cells do not. After the body has made
enough nerve and muscle cells, it does not have a mechanism in place
to make any more

Errors in Mitosis
Because mitosis is so important to the repair and growth of cells in the
body, when problems occur, they are serious in nature. One major
complication of faulty mitosis is cancer. Mutations in DNA can occur
during the mitosis process, and if they aren't caught, cancerous cells
can arise. Mitosis errors can also occur during the development of a
fetus, leading to chromosomal disorders such as Down syndrome and
Turner syndrome.