Pampanga State Agricultural University

Magalang, Pampanga

Mitosis

Submitted by:
Reila Agcambot
Christina Javier
Rica Pangilinan
Reginald Bien Pelayo
Bachelor of Science in Biology

Submitted to:
Diezza Khey B. Perez MS
Professor in Vertebrate Embryology
 Mitosis

Introduction
Mitosis is the process in which a eukaryotic cell nucleus splits in two,
followed by division of the parent cell into two daughter cells. The word "mitosis"
means "threads," and it refers to the threadlike appearance of chromosomes as
the cell prepares to divide.

Early microscopists were the first to observe these structures, and they also
noted the appearance of a specialized network of microtubules during mitosis.
These tubules, collectively known as the spindle, extend from structures
called centrosomes — with one centrosome located at each of the opposite
ends, or poles, of a cell. As mitosis progresses, the microtubules attach to the
chromosomes, which have already duplicated their DNA and aligned across
the center of the cell. The spindle tubules then shorten and move toward the
poles of the cell. As they move, they pull the one copy of each chromosome
with them to opposite poles of the cell. This process ensures that each daughter
cell will contain one exact copy of the parent cell DNA.

Mitosis consists of morphologically distinct phases: prophase, metaphase,

anaphase, and telophase. Each phase involves characteristic steps in the
process of chromosome alignment and separation. Once mitosis is complete,
the entire cell divides in two by way of the process called cytokinesis.

Objective

To identify the parts of a cell in the interphase, prophase, metaphase, anaphase

and telophase stages of mitosis.

Materials

 Light Microsope
 Prepared section of plant (onion) cell mitosis
Procedures

The slides of the prepared section of plant (onion) cell membrane were
examined under 40x and 10x. Onion cells have rectangular outlines, and are
enclosed by a rigid cell wall that fuses with a thin invisible cell membrane. The
section was focused under 40x and identified the cells in the interphase,
prophase, metaphase, anaphase and telophase stages. Pictures were taken for
documentation purposes.

Results and Discussion

MITOSIS Allium cepa Root Tip l.s.

Allium cepa root tip under Low Power Allium cepa root tip under High Power
Objective (10x) Objective (40x)
STAGES OF MITOSIS

-The cell grows rapidly, while performing

routine metabolic processes. It also
makes proteins needed for DNA
replication and copies some of its
organelles in preparation for cell division.

-The cell’s DNA is copied in the process

of DNA replication. Duplication of
chromosomes.

-Formation of a protein structure called

INTERPHASE the spindle.

-The chromosomes condense.

-Nuclear envelope begins to break

down.

-The spindle continues to form: Two

centrosomes migrate to opposite sides of
the cell, while long spindle fibers extend
out of them.

PROPHASE

-Nuclear envelope disappears.

-Chromosomes are fully condensed.

-Some spindle fibers attach to sister

chromatids.

PROMETAPHASE
 -Spindle fibers help chromosomes move
so that they align in the middle of the
cell.

METAPHASE

-Sister chromatids (identical chromosome

copies) are separated from each other.

-The spindle fibers shorten

-The chromatids are pulled to opposite

sides of the cell.

ANAPHASE

-Chromosomes become less condensed.

-Spindle fibers are fully disassembled.

-The nuclear envelope reforms.

TELOPHASE
 - The cell membrane pinches in at the
cell equator, forming a cleft called the
cleavage furrow

-The cell membrane is pinched off to

divide the cell into two.

-The two daughter cells are identical to

each other and each daughter cell is
also identical to the original cell.

CYTOKINESIS

Conclusion
Mitosis is the process of nuclear division, which occurs just prior to cell
division, or cytokinesis. During this multistep process, cell chromosomes
condense and the spindle assembles. The duplicated chromosomes then
attach to the spindle, align at the cell equator, and move apart as the spindle
microtubules retreat toward opposite poles of the cell. Each set of
chromosomes is then surrounded by a nuclear membrane, and the parent cell
splits into two complete daughter cells.

References
Nature Education. (2014). Retrieved from
http://www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/chromosomes-14121320

Nature Education. (2014). Retrieved from

http://www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/mitosis-14046258

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics. (1997). The Biology Project

Retrieved from
http://www.biology.arizona.edu/cell_bio/tutorials/cell_cycle/cells3.html
Austin Community College District. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://www.austincc.edu/biology/assessment/pdf/Module5_Mitosis-and-
Meiosis.pdf

Campbell Biology. (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://www.tcd.ie/Biology_Teaching_Centre/assets/pdf/by1101/jfby1101/jfby11
01-lecture3-2013-bw.pdf

Ck12.org. (n.d.). Retrieved from

http://www.mychandlerschools.org/cms/lib6/AZ01001175/Centricity/Domain/493
9/Chapter5TheCellCycleMitosisandMeiosis.pdf

Documentation

The slides of the root tips of Allium cepa were being seen
under Low power objectives and High power objectives
of Light microscope.
Review Question
1. What stage of mitosis is characterized by aligned chromosomes at the
equatorial plane?
Ans: During METAPHASE, the cell's chromosomes align themselves in the
middle of the cell through a type of cellular "tug of war."

2. Stage of mitosis characterized by the formation of cleavage or furrow?

Ans: During CYTOKINESIS, the cell membrane pinches in at the cell
equator, forming a cleft called the cleavage furrow.

3. Structure in the interphase cell that condences to form the chromosomes

in the prophase cell?
Ans: During INTERPHASE, CHROMATIN is in its least condensed state and
appears loosely distributed throughout the nucleus. Chromatin
condensation begins during prophase and chromosomes become visible.

4. Stage of mitosis characterized by the disappearance of nuclear

membrane?
Ans: During PROMETAPHASE, phosphorylation of nuclear lamins by M-CDK
causes the nuclear membrane to break down into numerous small
vesicles.