Mitosis is a process of nuclear division in which chromosomes divide lengthwise, separate, and form 2 identical nuclei. Mitosis is usually accompanied by cell division, which involves the formation of a new cell wall between the 2 identical nuclei. In plants, good sites to observe mitosis are in root tips, shoot apices, and newly developing leaves. This is done by making thin sections of the tissues, mounting them on slides, staining them
with acetocarmine or Feulgen stains, then observing the sections with the high power or oil immersion lens of an optical (light) microscope.
The Cell Cycle
The period when the nucleus is between divisions is called interphase. During interphase is a period of replication of cytoplasmic organelles, followed by a
period when chromosomes (a) are duplicated, then a period when spindle fibers (bundles of microtubules) are made. Phases of mitosis are prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. Interphase and the 4 phases of mitosis constitute the cell cycle.
Phases of Mitosis
Prophase.
At the first stage of mitosis, the chromosomes (a) become visible as long threads. For clarification only 3 chromosomes are shown. On each strand
is a small body called a centromere (f). Then the chromosomes start to shorten and thicken and divide into 2 helical coiled strands called chromatids (g). DNA is
replicated half to each chromatid.
Metaphase.
In stained cells on microscope slides, the nuclear membrane and nucleolus (b) can no longer be seen during metaphase in vascular plants. Metaphase is marked by the appearance of the spindle (h). It is at
this time that the chromosomes migrate to the spindle and the centromeres (f) align in a flat equatorial plane.
The pairs of chromatids (g) are held together at the centromeres (f).
Anaphase.
Anaphase is initiated with division and separation of the centromere, providing each chromatid with centromere (f). This phase ends with the chromatids, which are now called chromosomes, moving to opposite poles (i) of the spindle (h).
Telophase.
This phase begins with the chromosomes
(a) completing their movement to the poles. It ends with the chromosomes once more becoming diffuse, as in interphase. A new nuclear membrane (c) forms around each group of chromosomes (a) and nucleoli (b) reap pear. During interphase, a new cell wall (e) forms between the nuclei.
