Home Practice
For learners and parents For teachers and schools
Textbooks
Full catalogue
Leaderboards
Learners Leaderboard Classes/Grades Leaderboard Schools Leaderboard
Pricing Support
Help centre Contact us
Log in

We think you are located in United States. Is this correct?

3.5 Summary

3.5 Summary (ESG5Y)

Mitosis and the cell cycle

  • During interphase the DNA replicates.
  • The process of mitosis occurs in four stages: prophase, metaphase; anaphase and telophase.
  • Cytokinesis differs in plant and animal cells. In animal cells the cytoplasm invaginates and divides the cell in two, and in a plant cell the cell is divided in two by the cell plate which forms the cell wall.
  • Mitosis ensures growth of tissues and organisms.
  • Damaged and worn out tissues are repaired and replaced by new cells through mitosis.
  • Single-celled (unicellular) organisms like amoeba often reproduce asexually by mitosis.

Cancer

  • Cancer is caused by DNA mutations.
  • Abnormal and uncontrolled cell division results in tumour formation.
  • Tumours affect the functioning of the tissue or organ.
  • Cancer cells can enter the bloodstream or lymph and spread to distant parts of the body and form new tumours (metastasise).
  • Cancers are caused by substances called carcinogens.
  • Carcinogens such as certain chemicals, radiation, viruses and genetics can be the cause of certain cancers.
  • Cancers can be treated by various methods including surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and traditional medicines.

Videos to watch

Overview: Binary fission- Mitosis and cell division- Cancer Cell Division