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The cell cycle and cell division: mitosis
I can describe the phases of the cell cycle including mitosis.
Lesson 2 of 6
New
New
- Year 10
- AQA
The cell cycle and cell division: mitosis
I can describe the phases of the cell cycle including mitosis.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Most cells in multicellular organisms go through different phases that are part of a cell cycle.
- The main phases of the cell cycle are interphase and mitosis.
- During cell interphase, each chromosome is copied, sub-cellular structures are copied.
- During mitosis, chromosome copies line up along the middle of the cell and the nucleus divides.
- After division, the two new cells both have a copy of the same chromosomes.
Keywords
Cell cycle - The process by which cells divide; this involves a specific set of phases.
Mitosis - A type of cell division that produces genetically identical cells.
Nucleus - A sub-cellular structure that contains the genetic material (DNA); controls the cell activities.
Chromosomes - Tightly coiled strands of DNA that carry the genetic material.
Common misconception
Chromosomes are halved when the cell splits.
Slides repeatedly address the concept that chromosomes are copied.
You can model the stages of the cell cycle using pipe cleaners to show the chromosomes replicating.
Teacher tip
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In an animal cell which sub-cellular structure holds the genetic material?
In an animal cell which sub-cellular structure holds the genetic material?
cytoplasm
ribosome
mitochondria
Q2.DNA is wound up tightly to form which structures?
DNA is wound up tightly to form which structures?
ribosomes
chloroplasts
cell membrane
Q3.Match the keyword to its definition
Match the keyword to its definition
Q4.Cell division that produces genetically identical cells is called?
Cell division that produces genetically identical cells is called?
fertilisation
reproduction
meiosis
Q5.Arrange these in ascending size order from smallest to largest.
Arrange these in ascending size order from smallest to largest.
Q6.Why does mitosis take place in multicellular organisms?
Why does mitosis take place in multicellular organisms?
reproduction
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In animals what type of cell division produces genetically identical cells?
In animals what type of cell division produces genetically identical cells?
Q2.Which of the following does not involve mitosis?
Which of the following does not involve mitosis?
growth in multicellular organisms
repair of tissues in multicellular organisms
Q3.Put these stages in order to show what happens during the cell cycle.
Put these stages in order to show what happens during the cell cycle.
Q4.What happens during cell growth?
What happens during cell growth?
nucleus divides
chromosomes lines up along the middle of the cell
two genetically identical cells are formed
Q5.Which statements describe what happens during the second stage of the cell cycle.
Which statements describe what happens during the second stage of the cell cycle.
The cytoplasm and cell membrane divide.
DNA and sub-cellular structures are copied.
Q6.Which statements about the cell cycle are true?
Which statements about the cell cycle are true?
Daughter cells have different chromosomes to the parent cell.
Chromosomes are pulled to each end of the cell and then line up in the middle.
