rhizoverbBeta
DictionarymitosisNuclear division
noun

mitosis

my-TOH-sis/maɪˈtəʊsɪs/

Division of a cell's nucleus into two genetically identical nuclei.

During mitosis, a cell's nucleus divides into two genetically identical nuclei.

Scientific editorial ink diagram: one animal cell dividing into two identical daughter cells, three stages with matched colored chromosome sets, simple accurate metaphase-anaphase-telophase, no letters or labels.
Etymology
mitGreekwarp thread
+osisLatinact, process

The name identifies division by its threadlike appearance: chromatin in the nucleus appears as long threads during the early stages. The process ending turns that visible feature into the name of the division.

In context

Amoeba Sisters0:00
Mitosis makes identical body cells like your skin cells and stomach cells.
Meiosis (Updated)

More examples

  • The students observe mitosis in onion root cells.
  • Before mitosis begins, the cell copies its DNA.
  • Errors during mitosis can leave nuclei with abnormal chromosome numbers.

Forms

mitosis · mitoses

mitotic adjective — Relating to nuclear division through mitosis.