Cell Division for Kids: How One Cell Becomes Two in Mitosis (Grade 6 and Grade 7 Science)

Hi, I'm Luna from DoodleBeez. You started life as just one cell. Now you have trillions! How did that happen? Cells make more cells by splitting in two. Today we will learn how, through a process called mitosis.

Why do cells divide? To help you grow, to repair a cut or a broken bone, and to replace old cells. Your skin replaces millions of cells every single day, all thanks to mitosis.

Before a cell divides, it must copy its DNA, the instructions inside the nucleus. DNA is packed into chromosomes. A human body cell has forty six chromosomes, so it copies all forty six before splitting.

Now mitosis begins. In prophase, the chromosomes coil up tight and become easy to see. In metaphase, they line up in a neat row across the middle of the cell, like students standing in a line.

In anaphase, the copies are pulled apart to opposite ends of the cell. In telophase, a new nucleus forms around each set. Finally, the cell pinches in the middle and splits in two. This split is called cytokinesis.

The two new cells are identical to each other and to the parent cell. Each one has the same forty six chromosomes. So mitosis makes exact copies, with no mixing of traits from two parents.

Now it's your turn. A skin cell with forty six chromosomes divides by mitosis. How many chromosomes does each new cell have? Pause and try. Each new cell has forty six, exactly the same as the parent cell.

Great job! Remember, cells divide to grow, repair and replace. The cell copies its DNA, then goes through prophase, metaphase, anaphase and telophase, and splits into two identical cells. Practice cell division in the Science Lab at doodlebeez.com. See you next time!