Steps of Mitotic Cell Division

Cell division is the process that forms tissues. Different types of division provide for different types of tissue. Mitosis, the most common form of cell division, is an indirect division characterized by exact division of the chromosomes into two daughter cells. As the cytoplasm and nucleus split, mitosis produces two identical cells.

Chromosomes Divide

Chromosomes, the cellular organs that carry DNA or the building instructions for each cell, are not visible in a resting cell. They become visible when the cell is getting ready to divide.The chromosomes divide into two identical chromatids joined by a centromere and drift to the center of the cell.

Spindle Forms

A spindle, or the center of the chromosome that thickens into fiber, has meanwhile formed across the equator of the cell. The chromatids attach to this. Contractions of the spindle pull the chromatids apart and to opposite ends of the cell. Energy for this is provided by mitochondria, the energy-producing organelles inside the cell.

Division is Complete

Along the equator of the cell, a new cell wall begins to form, separating the two halves of the cell. A new nuclear membrane forms around each of the chromatids, enclosing them into the new nucleus. The two new cells stretch and grow to full size. Each possesses its own organelles, nucleus, cell walls and chromosomes.