cell division Mitosis
Why do cells divide? There’s not enough DNA to regulate a very large cell It would have trouble moving material across the cell membrane if it was too big (volume vs. surface area)
chromosomes Carry genetic information Made of DNA Every organism has a specific number (46 in humans, 18 in carrots) Not visible except in cell division
The cell cycle
Interphase Cells grow Double their DNA Prepare to divide
Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase (PMAT) Phases of Mitosis
Prophase c/s are visible Centrioles go to opposite sides, spindle forms (only in animal cells) Nucleolus disappears Nuclear envelope breaks down
metaphase c/s line up in the middle Centromeres attach to the fibers
anaphase Chromatids separate and are now c/s
telophase Getting ready for division Nucleus reforms
cytokinesis Division of cytoplasm In plants a cell plate forms in order to pinch off