noun

mitosis

my-TOH-sis

Mitosis (noun) means the process by which a cell divides to produce two new cells, each with a complete and identical set of chromosomes. Example: “The textbook diagram showed the four main stages of mitosis.”

noun

The process by which a cell divides to produce two new cells, each with a complete and identical set of chromosomes.

"The textbook diagram showed the four main stages of mitosis."

"Skin cells are replaced constantly through mitosis."

How to Use Mitosis

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe way one cell splits into two identical copies of itself.

When to use it

Technical biology term, standard in schools and scientific writing.

Memory tip

Remember mitosis makes 'twins' (two identical cells) and meiosis makes 'halves' (four cells with half the chromosomes).

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

meiosis → cytokinesis binary fission

Common pairings

undergo mitosis stages of mitosis mitosis and meiosis cells divide by mitosis

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The textbook diagram showed the four main stages of _____.

Etymology

From Greek mitos, meaning 'thread', with the suffix -osis, after the thread-like appearance of the chromosomes during division.

Origin: Greek

Rhymes for mitosis

meiosis osmosis stenosis necrosis neurosis hypnosis fibrosis diagnosis prognosis symbiosis halitosis psychosis

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between mitosis and meiosis?

Mitosis produces two daughter cells that are genetically identical to the parent cell and have the full number of chromosomes. Meiosis produces four cells with half the number of chromosomes, and it is used to make sex cells such as eggs and sperm. Mitosis is for growth and repair; meiosis is for reproduction.

What are the stages of mitosis?

The stages are prophase, metaphase, anaphase and telophase, usually followed by cytokinesis, in which the cell body itself splits. Some courses add prometaphase between prophase and metaphase.

Is mitosis the same as cell division?

Not quite. Mitosis is the division of the nucleus and its chromosomes; cytokinesis is the division of the rest of the cell. Together they make up the complete process of cell division.