Mitosis takes place in somatic cells, all cells of the body other than those that become sperm or eggs and is the mechanism that distributes the doubled amount of DNA (chromosomes) to each of the new daughter cells. Mitosis produces two genetically identical daughter cells because, during Mitosis, the identical sister chromatids are separated. The movement of the chromosomes is often divided into four stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. Interphase is often included in discussions of mitosis, but interphase is technically not part of mitosis, but rather encompasses stages G1, S, and G2 of the cell cycle.

Prophase - DNA has been replicated, chromosomes become visible (condense); each chromosome is a doubled set of DNA and consists of two sister chromatids. Metaphase - chromosomes move and line up near the middle of the cell. Anaphase - centromeres split and the sister chromatids separate as individual chromosomes. Telophase - chromosomes distributed to each daughter cell, and the nucleus is reconstituted.

As you watch the movie, see if you remember the key events that occur in each phase of Mitosis.

Prophase

Metaphase

Anaphase

Telophase

Cytokinesis - By definition, Cytokinesis is not a part of mitosis. But it occurs simultaneously with Telophase.

Cytokinesis results when a fiber ring composed of a protein called actin around the center of the cell contracts pinching the cell into two daughter cells, each with one nucleus.

For another view of mitosis