Mitosis and the cell cycle: Finally the cytoplasm and cell membranes divide to form two identical cells.

Q: How do I revise Mitosis and the cell cycle: Finally the cytoplasm and cell membranes divide to form two identical cells. for GCSE?

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Q: Is this Mitosis and the cell cycle: Finally the cytoplasm and cell membranes divide to form two identical cells. guide aligned to the AQA specification?

Yes. This guide is linked to the Mitosis and the cell cycle: Finally the cytoplasm and cell membranes divide to form two identical cells. topic in the AQA GCSE specification.

This statement describes the final stage of the cell cycle, after the genetic material has been replicated and the nucleus has divided.

Study notes

From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.

The idea

This statement describes the final stage of the cell cycle, after the genetic material has been replicated and the nucleus has divided. The cytoplasm divides (cytokinesis) and new cell membranes form, separating the cell contents into two daughter cells. Because each daughter cell receives an identical set of chromosomes, the two cells are genetically identical to each other and to the parent cell. For example, a human body cell with 46 chromosomes replicates its DNA, then divides so each new cell also has 46 chromosomes. This process supports growth, repair and asexual reproduction, and it is assessed by asking you to place the events in order and explain why the products are identical.

What earns the marks

Cytokinesis is the division of the cytoplasm, occurring after the nucleus has divided.
New cell membranes form around each set of cell contents, separating the two daughter cells.
Each daughter cell receives an identical copy of the genetic material, so the cells are genetically identical.
The two daughter cells are also identical to the original parent cell in chromosome number and DNA base sequence.
In a human body cell, the parent cell and both daughter cells each contain 46 chromosomes.
The final division produces two cells, not four, distinguishing mitosis from meiosis.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

Thinking the cytoplasm divides before the nucleus divides.
Put it right by stating that nuclear division occurs first, then cytokinesis.
Believing the daughter cells are genetically different.
Put it right by explaining that DNA replication before division gives each cell an identical chromosome set.
Confusing the products of mitosis with the four genetically different cells of meiosis.
Put it right by stating that mitosis produces two identical cells.

Exam tips

Sequence the cell cycle clearly: DNA replication and growth, nuclear division, then cytoplasm and membrane division.
Use the phrase genetically identical and support it by referring to identical chromosomes or DNA.
Link the final division to a named purpose such as growth, repairing damaged tissue or asexual reproduction.

Try the lesson

The start of the Mitosis and the cell cycle: Finally the cytoplasm and cell membranes divide to form two identical cells. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.

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In the final stage of the cell cycle, what divides to form two identical cells?

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