Mitosis

Produces two daughter nuclei that have the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell and each other.

Division of the nucleus of a cell that results in each of the daughter cells having an exact copy of the DNA of the parent cell.

Mitosis always preceeded by a period in which the cell is not dividing = Interphase.

Interphase is a period of considerable cellular activity including DNA replication.

1. Prophase = the chromosomes become visible and the nuclear envelope disappears

2. Metaphase = Chromosomes arrange themselves at the centre of the cell

3. Anaphase = Each chromatid migrates to opposite poles

4. Telophase = Nuclear envelope reforms

Growth - when two haploid cells fuse together to form a diploid cell - has all the genetic information needed to form new organism. Cells must possess same genetic information if new organism is to resemble parents.

Differentiation - cells differentiate to give specialised cells. Each divide by mitosis to give tissues made of identical cells which perform a particular function. Essential because cell will only function if all its cells have the same structure and perform the same function.

Repair - important new cells have the identical structure and function as lost/dead ones - otherwise would not function effectively. Means by which new cells replace damaged / dead ones.