Mitosis and interphase are two distinct phases of the cell cycle, with mitosis involving active cell division and interphase dedicated to cell growth and DNA replication in preparation for division.
Here's a more detailed breakdown of the differences:
Key Differences Between Mitosis and Interphase
The cell cycle consists of two major phases: interphase and the mitotic (M) phase.
- Interphase: This is the longest phase of the cell cycle. It's a period of growth, metabolism, and preparation for cell division. Interphase is subdivided into G1, S, and G2 phases.
- Mitosis (M Phase): This is the phase where the cell actively divides. It includes both nuclear division (mitosis) and cytoplasmic division (cytokinesis). Mitosis itself is divided into several stages: prophase, prometaphase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.
We can summarize these differences in a table:
| Feature | Interphase | Mitosis |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Activity | Growth, DNA replication, cell preparation | Cell division (nuclear and cytoplasmic) |
| DNA State | DNA is in the form of chromatin (uncondensed) | DNA is condensed into visible chromosomes |
| Duration | Relatively long | Relatively short |
| Sub-phases | G1, S, G2 | Prophase, Prometaphase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase, Cytokinesis |
| Outcome | Cell ready for division | Two identical daughter cells |
Detailed Look at the Phases
-
Interphase:
- G1 Phase (Gap 1): The cell grows in size and synthesizes proteins and organelles.
- S Phase (Synthesis): DNA replication occurs, resulting in two identical copies of each chromosome.
- G2 Phase (Gap 2): The cell continues to grow and produces proteins necessary for cell division. It also checks for any errors in DNA replication.
-
Mitosis (M Phase):
- Prophase: Chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes. The nuclear envelope breaks down.
- Prometaphase: Spindle fibers attach to the centromeres of the chromosomes.
- Metaphase: Chromosomes align along the metaphase plate (the equator of the cell).
- Anaphase: Sister chromatids separate and move to opposite poles of the cell.
- Telophase: Chromosomes arrive at the poles, and the nuclear envelope reforms around each set of chromosomes.
- Cytokinesis: The cytoplasm divides, resulting in two separate daughter cells. In animal cells, this happens through the formation of a cleavage furrow. In plant cells, a cell plate forms.
Significance of the Differences
These differences highlight the distinct roles of each phase. Interphase ensures that the cell has everything it needs to divide properly and that its genetic material is accurately duplicated. Mitosis ensures that the duplicated chromosomes are accurately separated and distributed into two identical daughter cells, preserving the genetic information.
