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      The cell cycle and cell division: mitosis (including PMAT)

      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. The stages of mitosis are prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase and cytokinesis.

      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

      Pupils may think that daughter cells have different DNA to the parent cell.

      Slides repeatedly address the concept that DNA is copied and that daughter cells are genetically identical.

      Teacher tip

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

      Equipment

      None required.

      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.
      Which sub-cellular structure holds the genetic material in an animal cell?

      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

      surrounds the cell and controls what can enter and exit

      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.
      What type of cell division produces genetically identical cells in animals?

      Correct Answer: mitosis

      Q2.
      Which of the following does not involve mitosis?

      asexual reproduction in yeast
      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 - interphase
      2 - prophase
      3 - metaphase
      4 - anaphase
      5 - telophase
      6 - cytokinesis

      Q4.
      In which phase of mitosis is the DNA copied and the cell grows?

      metaphase
      cytokinesis
      prophase
      Correct answer: interphase

      Q5.
      Match each phase of mitosis to the correct description of what happens.

      Correct Answer:prophase,nuclear membrane breaks down and chromosomes condense

      nuclear membrane breaks down and chromosomes condense

      Correct Answer:metaphase,chromosomes line up along the equator of the cell

      chromosomes line up along the equator of the cell

      Correct Answer:anaphase,chromosomes split and chromatids are pulled to each side of the cell

      chromosomes split and chromatids are pulled to each side of the cell

      Correct Answer:telophase,chromatids decondense and the nuclear membrane reforms

      chromatids decondense and the nuclear membrane reforms

      Q6.
      Which statements about the cell cycle are true?

      Correct answer: two genetically identical daughter cells are produced
      cytokinesis occurs before metaphase
      during interphase the cytoplasm begins to divide
      Correct answer: the two main phases are interphase and mitosis

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