How are elephants able to grow to such a large size?
The process of mitosis begins after a sperm fertilizes an egg.
The Cell Cycle Interphase Prophase Metaphase Anaphase Telophase Cytokinesis
G1 (Gap 1) phase – Cells grow to a mature size. S (Synthesis) phase – DNA is copied. The number of chromosomes double. G2 (Gap 2) phase – Cells prepare for cell division. CELL MEMBRANE Nucleus Cytoplasm
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Cell division begins. Chromatin condenses and changes form into rod shaped chromosomes. Centrioles appear and move to opposite poles. Spindle fibers form around the centrioles. The nuclear membrane and the nucleolus break down. Centrioles Sister chromatids Spindle fibers
Each chromosome was duplicated during the S phase of interphase. The two copies are now joined at the center. This area is called the centromere. Each half is referred to as a chromatid. The two together are sister chromatids.
Animal Cell Plant Cell Photographs from: Spindle fibers Chromosomes
Sister chromatids attach to the spindle fibers at the centromere. Centrioles are attached to the other end of the spindle fiber. Sister chromatids move and line up at the middle or equator of the cell. Centrioles Spindle fibers
Animal Cell Plant Cell Photographs from:
Sister chromatids separate at the centromere and begin to move to the opposite poles. Centrioles Spindle fibers
Animal Cell Plant Cell Photographs from:
Two distinctive cells begin to form. Two new nuclei form. Chromosomes transform back to chromatin (threads rather than rods). Mitosis ends. Nuclei Chromatin
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Cell membrane pinches in to create two daughter cells – each with its own nucleus with identical chromosomes. The pinched area is referred to as the cleavage furrow in animal cells. In plant cells, a cell plate forms instead to form a cell wall and separate the two new cells.
Animal Mitosis -- Review Interphase Prophase Metaphase Anaphase Telophase Interphase
Plant Mitosis -- Review Interphase Prophase Metaphase Anaphase Telophase Interphase
I I nterphase P P rophase M M etaphase A A naphase T T elophase C C ytokinesis IPMATC I Play M ore At T he Court