What Happens During Metaphase in Mitosis?
It is a type of cell division in which the mother cell divides to produce two new cells (the daughters) that are genetically identical to itself. Mitosis is the part of the division process in the context of the cell cycle, in which the DNA of the cell's nucleus is split into two equal sets of chromosomes.
In our body mitosis involves which the great majority of the cell divisions happens. Mitosis populates an organism’s body with cells during the development and growth and throughout an organism’s life, it replaces old, worn-out cells with new ones. Mitotic divisions are a form of reproduction for single-celled eukaryotes like yeast, adding a new individual to the population.
Each daughter cell gets a perfect, full set of chromosomes in all of these cases to make sure, that is the goal of mitosis. The cells usually don't function well with too few or too many chromosomes, and for this, they may not survive, or they may even cause cancer. So, they don’t divide their DNA at random when cell mitosis undergoes, and toss it into piles for the two daughter cells. In a carefully organised series of steps, they split up their duplicated chromosomes.
Metaphase
A stage of mitosis in the eukaryotic cell cycle in which chromosomes are at their second-most condensed and coiled stage is known as metaphase. Carrying genetic information, aligned in the equator of the cell before being separated into each of the two daughter cells is being done with these chromosomes.
The third phase of mitosis is known as metaphase, which is the process that separates duplicated genetic material carried in the nucleus of a parent cell into two identical daughter cells. The metaphase checkpoint that it is ready to divide is an important checkpoint in the middle of mitosis, during which the cell is being ensured.
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Significance of Mitosis
It helps in maintaining the same number of chromosomes in daughter cells after division.
It is responsible for the growth and development of multicellular organisms.
It helps in repairing damaged tissues.
It helps the cell to maintain proper size.
It allows the multicellular organism to maintain its tissues, skin cells, and blood is an example.
Mitosis is important for sexual reproduction indirectly.
Mitosis allows to worn-out, and develop the sexually reproducing organism from a single cell into a sexually mature individual.
Importance of Mitosis
The importance of mitosis are as follows
The chromosome number does not change.
It helps the growth and development of embryos.
It helps the recovery of damaged organs.
It is important for the formation of all body cells.
Mitosis is the basis for sexual reproduction.
It helps not divide the nerve (neurone), and muscle cells.
Metaphase Stage of Mitosis
The chromosomes align upon a theoretical line known as the metaphase plate at this stage. Furthermore, the centrosomes have orientated themselves to opposite ends of the cell. At this stage, the cell will check that all the chromosomes are aligned along with the metaphase plate, with their kinetochores correctly attached. This helps to ensure sister chromatids are split evenly between the two daughter cells. An error in alignment or a spindle attachment will result in the cell halting further progress until the problem is fixed.
Because chromosome alignment at the centre of the cell on the metaphase plate acts as a checkpoint for progression into the next phase, anaphase metaphase can occupy a large portion of the total time of mitosis. Until the chromosomes are properly aligned, cells can arrest in metaphase for days and the cell enters anaphase.
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Fun Facts
Mitosis describes the division of one cell into two identical daughter cells. It occurs in several stages, each stage describing a stereotyped set of changes in cell contents and structure. In this article, we will look at the stages of mitosis and a clinical application of mitosis.
During mitosis one cell divides once to form two identical cells.
The major purpose of mitosis is for growth and to replace worn-out cells.
The chromosomes line up neatly end-to-end along the centre (equator) of the cell and after that, the centrioles stand at opposite poles of the cell with the mitotic spindle fibres extending from them. To each of the sister chromatids, the mitotic spindle fibres attach.
The chromosomes become arranged on the metaphase plate and are attached to the fully formed spindle.
The chromosomes at their most highly coiled and condensed, become arranged on a plane equidistant from the two poles called the metaphase plate.
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FAQs on Mitosis Metaphase Explained: Function, Importance & Exam Prep
1. What are the key events that happen during metaphase of mitosis?
During metaphase, the chromosomes, which are now maximally condensed and clearly visible, align themselves at the equator of the cell. This alignment forms a structure known as the metaphase plate. Each chromosome's two sister chromatids are attached to spindle fibres originating from opposite poles of the cell, creating tension that holds them in place before they are separated.
2. What are the main stages of mitosis in their correct order?
Mitosis is a continuous process but is conventionally divided into four main stages for easier understanding. As per the CBSE Class 11 syllabus, the correct order is:
- Prophase: Chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes, and the mitotic spindle begins to form.
- Metaphase: Chromosomes align at the metaphase plate in the centre of the cell.
- Anaphase: Sister chromatids separate and are pulled towards opposite poles.
- Telophase: Chromosomes decondense at the poles, and new nuclear envelopes form, followed by cytokinesis.
3. Why is the metaphase stage so important for ensuring correct cell division?
Metaphase is critically important because it includes the spindle assembly checkpoint. This is a crucial safety mechanism that ensures every chromosome is properly attached to the mitotic spindle before the cell proceeds to anaphase. This precise alignment at the metaphase plate guarantees that when the sister chromatids separate, each new daughter cell will receive an identical and complete set of chromosomes, preventing genetic abnormalities.
4. What is the difference between the metaphase of mitosis and the metaphase stages of meiosis?
The key difference lies in how chromosomes align at the metaphase plate:
- In Metaphase of Mitosis, individual replicated chromosomes (each with two sister chromatids) align at the plate.
- In Metaphase I of Meiosis, it is the homologous chromosome pairs (bivalents) that align together at the metaphase plate.
- In Metaphase II of Meiosis, the alignment is similar to mitosis, with individual replicated chromosomes aligning at the plate, but the cell itself is haploid.
5. What would be the consequence if a cell proceeded to anaphase without a proper metaphase alignment?
If a cell bypassed the metaphase checkpoint and entered anaphase with misaligned chromosomes, it would lead to an unequal distribution of genetic material. This error, known as nondisjunction, results in daughter cells with an incorrect number of chromosomes (a condition called aneuploidy). Such cells may die, become cancerous, or, if they are reproductive cells, lead to genetic disorders.
6. What is the functional importance of mitosis for a multicellular organism?
Mitosis is fundamental for multicellular organisms for several reasons:
- Growth: It allows an organism to grow from a single fertilised egg into a complex adult by increasing the number of cells.
- Repair and Regeneration: It replaces old or damaged cells, such as skin cells or blood cells, and helps in wound healing.
- Asexual Reproduction: In some organisms, it is the primary mode of reproduction.
7. How does the highly condensed structure of a chromosome in metaphase help in its function?
In metaphase, chromosomes are at their most condensed and compact state. This serves two vital functions. Firstly, it prevents the long DNA strands from becoming tangled or breaking during segregation. Secondly, this compact form provides a clear, robust attachment point (the kinetochore on the centromere) for the spindle fibres, facilitating organised and efficient movement to the cell's equator and subsequent separation.
