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      The cell cycle and cell division: mitosis

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can describe the phases of the cell cycle including mitosis.

      Key learning points

      1. Most cells in multicellular organisms go through different phases that are part of a cell cycle.
      2. The main phases of the cell cycle are interphase and mitosis.
      3. During cell interphase, each chromosome is copied, sub-cellular structures are copied.
      4. During mitosis, chromosome copies line up along the middle of the cell and the nucleus divides.
      5. 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.

      Teacher tip

      You can model the stages of the cell cycle using pipe cleaners to show the chromosomes replicating.

      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?

      cytoplasm
      Correct answer: nucleus
      ribosome
      mitochondria

      Q2.
      DNA is wound up tightly to form which structures?

      ribosomes
      chloroplasts
      Correct answer: chromosomes
      cell membrane

      Q3.
      Match the keyword to its definition

      Correct Answer:cell cycle,a series of phases a cell undergoes in order to divide

      a series of phases a cell undergoes in order to divide

      Correct Answer:cytoplasm,a jelly-like liquid where many chemical reactions occur

      a jelly-like liquid where many chemical reactions occur

      Correct Answer:cell membrane,surrounds the cell and controls what can enter and exit it

      surrounds the cell and controls what can enter and exit it

      Q4.
      Cell division that produces genetically identical cells is called?

      fertilisation
      reproduction
      Correct answer: mitosis
      meiosis

      Q5.
      Arrange these in ascending size order from smallest to largest.

      1 - DNA
      2 - chromosome
      3 - nucleus
      4 - cell
      5 - tissue

      Q6.
      Why does mitosis take place in multicellular organisms?

      reproduction
      Correct answer: growth
      Correct answer: repair

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      In animals what type of cell division produces genetically identical cells?

      Correct Answer: mitosis

      Q2.
      Which of the following does not involve mitosis?

      growth in multicellular organisms
      Correct answer: sexual reproduction in multicellular organisms
      repair of tissues in multicellular organisms

      Q3.
      Put these stages in order to show what happens during the cell cycle.

      1 - cell growth
      2 - mitosis: nucelar division
      3 - division of cell membrane and cytoplasm

      Q4.
      What happens during cell growth?

      nucleus divides
      chromosomes lines up along the middle of the cell
      Correct answer: DNA and sub-cellular structures are copied
      two genetically identical cells are formed

      Q5.
      Which statements describe what happens during the second stage of the cell cycle.

      Correct answer: Chromosomes line up along the middle of the cell.
      The cytoplasm and cell membrane divide.
      Correct answer: The nucleus begins to divide.
      DNA and sub-cellular structures are copied.

      Q6.
      Which statements about the cell cycle are true?

      Correct answer: Two genetically identical daughter cells are produced.
      Correct answer: After cell growth the cell has twice the amount of DNA.
      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.

      To help you plan your 10 biology lesson on: The cell cycle and cell division: mitosis, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...