The mitotic cell cycle

You will be able to

• Outline the mitotic cell cycle: growth in G1 and G2, DNA replication in S phase, mitosis and cytokinesis.
• Describe the structure of a chromosome: DNA wound round histone proteins, sister chromatids joined at the centromere, telomeres at the ends.
• Predict the number of chromosomes, chromatids and DNA molecules, and the DNA content, at each stage of the cycle.

You will be able to

• Describe the behaviour of the chromosomes, nuclear envelope, cell surface membrane and spindle during prophase, metaphase, anaphase and telophase.
• Compare mitosis and cytokinesis in animal and plant cells, including centrioles, the cleavage furrow and the cell plate.
• Identify the stages of mitosis from evidence in diagrams and squash preparations, and calculate a mitotic index.

You will be able to

• Explain the importance of mitosis in growth, replacement of cells, repair of tissues and asexual reproduction.
• Outline how stem cells renew themselves and produce cells that differentiate, and the role of telomeres in protecting genes during DNA replication.
• Explain how mutation of genes that control the cell cycle can lead to uncontrolled division and a tumour.