Mitosis Stages Diagram: Cell Division Step by Step
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Reviewer participation may vary by guide. Checked against Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 (2026–2028); last reviewed August 2026.
Key diagram
Mitosis produces two genetically identical daughter cells from one parent cell. The chromosomes are copied, line up in the centre, and the copies separate to opposite ends before the cell divides. The chromosome number stays the same.
Mitosis diagrams appear in questions on growth, repair and asexual reproduction. Students must show the key stages and explain that the daughter cells are genetically identical to the parent cell and to each other, with the same number of chromosomes.
Before mitosis: DNA replication
Before the cell divides, each chromosome is copied (DNA replication) during interphase. Each chromosome now consists of two identical copies called chromatids, joined at the centromere. Draw a cell with duplicated chromosomes: each shown as an X shape (two chromatids joined at the centre).
Key stages of mitosis
Show four simplified stages: (1) Chromosomes condense and become visible. The nuclear membrane breaks down. (2) Chromosomes line up along the middle (equator) of the cell. Spindle fibres attach to the centromeres. (3) Chromatids separate: the centromere splits and spindle fibres pull one chromatid from each chromosome to opposite poles of the cell. (4) Nuclear membranes form around each set of chromosomes, and the cytoplasm divides (cytokinesis), producing two daughter cells.
The outcome
Mitosis produces two daughter cells that are genetically identical to each other and to the parent cell. Each daughter cell has the same diploid number of chromosomes as the parent. In humans, that is 46 chromosomes (23 pairs). Mitosis is used for growth, repair of damaged tissues and asexual reproduction in some organisms.
How to draw mitosis clearly
Use a consistent number of chromosomes throughout (e.g. 4 chromosomes in the parent cell, 4 in each daughter cell). Show the X shapes clearly in the early stages, then single-line chromosomes after separation. Label the centromere, spindle fibres and cell membrane at each stage. Use arrows between stages to show the sequence.
Label checklist
Check these labels are present and correctly positioned before finishing your drawing.
✓Chromosomes (condensed)
✓Chromatids
✓Centromere
✓Spindle fibres
✓Equator / cell centre
✓Daughter cells
✓Nuclear membrane
Try a diagram question (4 marks)
Describe what happens to the chromosomes during mitosis. [4]
Show the answer and marking guidance
Each chromosome is copied (DNA replicates) before mitosis begins, forming two chromatids joined at the centromere.
The chromosomes line up along the middle of the cell.
The chromatids separate as spindle fibres pull them to opposite poles.
Two new nuclei form, each with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell.
Original Cambridge-style practice written for this site.
Common diagram mistakes
Check these against your own drawing before moving on.
Drawing different numbers of chromosomes in the parent and daughter cells.
Confusing mitosis with meiosis: mitosis produces two identical cells, not four.
Forgetting DNA replication before mitosis begins.
Not showing the chromatids separating at the centromere.
Stating that mitosis produces haploid cells: that is meiosis.