Mitosis and the Cell Cycle

Cells divide in a series of stages called the cell-cycle.

During the cell cycle the genetic material is doubled and then divided into two identical cells.

You need to know the three stages shown in the diagram below:

Mitosis is important for the growth, repair and development of multicellular organisms. Some examples of where mitosis occur include:

- The replacement of new cells on the skin's surface

- The growing tips of shoots and roots in plants