Story 3: How Mammalian Cells Split in Two

Mitotic division in mammalian cells produces two genetically identical daughter cells. After the cell grows and replicates its DNA, mitosis proceeds through four stages. First, the DNA condenses and the nuclear envelope breaks down; then, the DNA sets align at the cell’s equator. Next, each set is pulled apart to opposite poles (Upper Figure 3). Subsequently, new nuclear membranes reform around each duplicated DNA set. Finally, cytokinesis pinches the cell to divide it into two separate daughter cells (Lower Figure 3).

Figure 3: Mammalian Mitotic Cell Division.

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