Introduction to mitosis

1. Introduction to Mitosis CLASS NOTES Wed., Sept. 22, 2010

2. Why do cells divide? Cells divide to create new cells! For example, red blood cells are being produced to replace worn out blood cells at a rate of 10 million to 15 million EACH SECOND !

3. How are these new cells created? Each cell has a life cycle , just like a living organism (e.g. human) Like an organism, cells have different stages of life E.g. You are in a stage called adolescence, where a lot of growth and development occurs Most of the life of a cell is spent in a stage called interphase

4. The Cell Cycle Interphase 3 stages: Cell grows Cell makes a copy of its genetic information Cell grows and prepares for cell division (mitosis)

5. Mitosis Cells divide in two steps: Nucleus of cell divides (mitosis) Cytoplasm divides Mitosis is the process in which the nucleus divides to form TWO identical nuclei Mitosis has 4 stages: Prophase Metaphase Anaphase Telophase