Mitosis:

• Each species has its own chromosome number, that is the number of chromosomes
found in each nucleus in the cells of the individual.

• The chromosome number of humans is 46. This means that there are 46 chromosomes
in every nucleus in every body cell of a human.

• Although each individual of a species has the same chromosome number, the
combination of genes in the chromosomes varies and so members of a species differ.

• Cells divide by mitosis to produce two genetically identical cells.

• Mitosis is important for growth, repair and asexual reproduction.

• Mitosis is divided into four stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase and telophase.

• During replication each chromosome makes an exact copy of itself. This occurs in
interphase, just before prophase.

• These two copies of a chromosome are called chromatids – they lie side by side and are
joined at the centromere.

• During prophase, the chromosomes become shorter and fatter and are easily stained and
seen.

• During metaphase, the chromosomes line up along the middle of the cell.

• During anaphase, the chromatids are pulled apart to opposite sides of the cell.

• During telophase, two identical nuclei are formed.

• In cytokinesis, a new cell membrane develops to divide the cell in two identical cells.

• Binary fission in Amoeba is an example of cloning.

• Cloning is the production of identical copies of an individual.

• Animals and plants can be cloned using several techniques.

• Tissue culture is one way of cloning plants.