Cue Column | Notes Column
| Cue | Notes |
|---|---|
| Mnemonic for stages | PMAT — "Please Make Another Taco": Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase |
| Prophase events | Chromatin condenses → visible chromosomes (2 sister chromatids each); nucleolus disappears; mitotic spindle begins forming; nuclear envelope intact (until prometaphase) |
| Metaphase events | Chromosomes align at metaphase plate (equatorial plane); attached to spindle via kinetochores on centromere; maximum condensation |
| Anaphase events | Centromeres split; sister chromatids separate → move to opposite poles pulled by shortening spindle; chromosome count doubles transiently (4n in a 2n cell) |
| Telophase events | Chromosomes arrive at poles; decondense; nuclear envelope reforms; nucleolus reappears; followed by cytokinesis |
| What is mitosis used for? | Growth, repair of damaged tissues, asexual reproduction. Produces 2 genetically identical diploid daughter cells. |
Summary Box
Mitosis = PMAT. Key sequence: condensation (P) → alignment at plate (M) → separation of sister chromatids (A) → decondensation + nuclear reformation (T). Produces 2 identical 2n cells.