Explain the process of mitosis

Mitosis is a form of cell division in which one cell (mother cell) divides into 2 genetically identical cells (daughter cells). Within the human body, mitosis replaces worn-out cells with new cells. Mitosis can be divided into 5 basic phases: Interphase, prophase, metaphase, anaphase and telophase. Cyotokinesis follows these basic phases. The names and order of phases can be easier remembered using the pneumonic 'I passed my a-level tests camly'. During interphase the cells grows in size. The chromosomes are not defined, they are in stringy chromatin form as 2 chromatids joined by a centromere. During Prophase, the chromotids condense to form chromosomes that can be easier seen and the nuclear membrane disappears. During metaphase, centrosomes produce mitotic spindle fibres which line the chromosomes up in the center of the cell. In anaphase, the spindle fibres pull the chromosomes apart to opposite sides of the cell. During telophase, the spindle fibres disappear and a nuclear membrane forms around each new set of chromosomes which decondense and are no longer easily seen. Cytokinesis completes mitosis by dividing the cytoplasm in half to form 2 new identical cells. *Remember the hand gestures to remember what happens at each stage of mitosis!

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