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Mitosis - GCSE Biology Definition

Reviewed by: Naomi Holyoak

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What is mitosis?

In GCSE biology, mitosis is a type of cell division that forms part of the cell cycle. Mitosis produces cells that are identical to the original parent cell and is important for growth, repair and asexual reproduction.

The process of mitosis produces:

  • two daughter cells

  • cells that are genetically identical to the parent cell

  • cells with the same chromosome number as the parent cell

  • diploid body cells

Before mitosis takes place, all of the chromosomes are replicated (copied); this allows the normal chromosome number to be maintained when the copies are separated during mitosis.

Diagram illustrating mitosis: stages from DNA replication, chromosome alignment, chromatid separation, to cytokinesis, producing two identical daughter cells.
Mitosis produces diploid body cells that are identical to the parent cell

Mutations in the DNA can cause uncontrolled mitosis to occur, resulting in a mass of cells known as a tumour; this can cause cancer.

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Naomi Holyoak

Reviewer: Naomi Holyoak

Expertise: Biology Content Creator

Naomi graduated from the University of Oxford with a degree in Biological Sciences. She has 8 years of classroom experience teaching Key Stage 3 up to A-Level biology, and is currently a tutor and A-Level examiner. Naomi especially enjoys creating resources that enable students to build a solid understanding of subject content, while also connecting their knowledge with biology’s exciting, real-world applications.

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