4.5.B—Explain how mitosis results in the transmission of chromosomes from one generation of cells to the next

Explain how mitosis results in the transmission of chromosomes from one generation of cells to the next.

• Mitosis is a process that ensures the transfer of a complete genome from a parent cell to two genetically identical daughter cells in eukaryotes.
  • i. Mitosis plays a role in growth, tissue repair, and asexual reproduction.
  • ii. Mitosis occurs in sequential steps (prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase) and alternates with interphase in the cell cycle.
  • iii. Prophase: Sister chromatids condense, mitotic spindle begins to form, and centrosomes move to opposite poles of the cell.
  • iv. Metaphase: Spindle fibers align chromosomes along the equator of the cell.
  • v. Anaphase: Paired sister chromatids separate as spindle fibers pull chromatids toward poles.
  • vi. Telophase: Mitotic spindle breaks down, a new nuclear envelope develops, and then the cytoplasm divides.
  • vii. Cytokinesis: A cleavage furrow forms in animal cells or a cell plate forms in plant cells, resulting in two new daughter cells. 90 Cell Communication and Cell Cycle UNIT 4