3D Mitosis Simulation

Learning mode

Mitosis investigation

Mission: Follow one parent cell as it produces two genetically matching daughter cells.

Run cell cycle

Simulation speed1.00×

Cell controls

Chromosome pairs4

Stage duration4.0 s

Spindle strength100%

Metaphase checkpoint active

Live cell state

StageInterphase

DNA amount2C

Cells1

Chromosomes8

Stage progress0%

CheckpointReady

The cell grows and prepares to copy its DNA.

DNA and cell-count graph

DNA per original cellCell count

Camera and tracking

Zoom1.00×

No structure selected.

Teacher demonstration tools

Reveal attachment status

Interactive mitosis lecture

Language

Voice source

Voice

Ready. Narration will not start automatically.

Step 1 of 100%

What to watch:

Lecture chapters

Learning objectives

Order the stages of mitosis and cytokinesis.
Connect DNA replication to sister chromatids.
Explain chromosome attachment, alignment, and separation.
Describe how checkpoints protect genetic accuracy.

Key concepts

DNA is copied before mitosis. Condensed duplicated chromosomes contain two sister chromatids joined at a centromere. Spindle fibers attach, align chromosomes, and pull sister chromatids to opposite poles.

Mitosis divides the nucleus; cytokinesis divides the cytoplasm. The usual result is two daughter cells with matching chromosome sets.

Suggested experiments

Track one chromosome from prophase to two daughter nuclei.
Reduce spindle strength and observe the checkpoint.
Disable the checkpoint to model nondisjunction.
Change chromosome count and compare visual complexity.

Applications and misconceptions

Mitosis supports growth, wound repair, and cell replacement. Failed checkpoint control can contribute to tumors and chromosome-number errors.

Misconception: chromosomes do not duplicate during mitosis itself. DNA replication occurs beforehand, during S phase of interphase.

Mitosis quiz

0 / 7

Choose one answer for each question.