The number of cells at the end of mitosis

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the number of cells at the end of mitosis

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LectureNotes said the number of cells at the end of mitosis

Answer:
At the end of mitosis, the number of cells produced is specifically two. Mitosis is a process of cell division that results in the formation of two genetically identical daughter cells from a single parent cell. Let’s go over the stages of mitosis to understand how this process culminates in producing two cells:

Stages of Mitosis:

  1. Prophase:

    • Chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes.
    • The nuclear membrane begins to dissolve.
    • The mitotic spindle starts to form.

  2. Metaphase:

    • Chromosomes line up at the metaphase plate (the cell’s equatorial plane).
    • Microtubules attach to the centromeres of the chromosomes from opposite spindle poles.

  3. Anaphase:

    • Sister chromatids are pulled apart toward opposite poles of the cell.
    • Each chromatid is now considered an individual chromosome.

  4. Telophase:

    • Chromosomes arrive at the poles and begin to de-condense back into chromatin.
    • The nuclear envelope re-forms around each set of chromosomes.
    • The mitotic spindle breaks down.

  5. Cytokinesis (which often overlaps with telophase):

    • The cytoplasm divides, leading to the physical separation into two daughter cells.
    • In animal cells, this often involves a contractile ring that pinches the cell into two.

Final Result:

  • After mitosis and cytokinesis, the parent cell has divided into two separate daughter cells.
  • Each daughter cell contains an identical set of chromosomes as the parent cell, maintaining genetic consistency.

Therefore, the statement that the number of cells at the end of mitosis is two is accurate. This process ensures that cells can grow, replace worn-out tissues, and perform necessary biological functions while maintaining genetic stability within an organism.