Mitosis alone doesn't produce daughter cells because it only divides the nucleus of a cell.
Mitosis is a critical part of cell division, but it represents just one step in the complete process. The main purpose of mitosis is to accurately separate the duplicated chromosomes into two identical nuclei. This ensures that each daughter cell receives the correct genetic information. However, mitosis on its own doesn't physically split the cell into two.
Here's a breakdown:
- Mitosis: This process specifically deals with the division of the nucleus. It involves several phases (prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase) where the chromosomes are duplicated, aligned, and separated. The result is two nuclei, each containing an identical copy of the original cell's genetic material.
- Cytokinesis: This is the process that follows mitosis (or can sometimes begin during telophase). Cytokinesis involves the division of the cytoplasm, the fluid and organelles within the cell. This physical separation creates two distinct daughter cells.
Think of it like this: mitosis is like creating two separate rooms within a house (dividing the nucleus), while cytokinesis is like building a wall to physically divide the house into two separate dwellings (dividing the cytoplasm and creating two independent cells).
In summary, while mitosis ensures each daughter cell receives the correct genetic information, cytokinesis is required to physically separate the cell into two independent daughter cells. Both processes are essential for complete cell division.
