Every cell in your body was made by a cell that divided. Here are the eight stages of how that happens.
Interphase
To prepare for division, the cell grows bigger and copies its DNA. DNA contains the genes that make us unique, long strands packed inside the nucleus, shaped like spaghetti. When copying is done, the cell has two complete sets. Enough for two cells.
Prophase
The long strands of DNA bunch up into tight, X-shaped bundles called chromosomes. The centrioles, small structures that help the cell divide, move to opposite sides of the cell and start building the spindle between them.
Prometaphase
The nucleus breaks open, and now the spindle fibres can reach in and attach to the chromosomes, ready to pull them into position.
Metaphase
The spindle fibres pull the chromosomes until they all line up in a row across the middle of the cell. Each chromosome is held from both sides.
Anaphase
The spindle fibres pull each chromosome apart into two copies. One copy moves to one side of the cell, the other moves to the opposite side.
Telophase
The chromosomes have now travelled all the way to each end, and a new nucleus forms around each set.
Cytokinesis
The cell now has two nuclei, one at each end. It splits into two by squeezing tighter and tighter in the middle, until the two new cells separate.
Daughter cells
The two new cells are called daughter cells. Each one has a complete copy of all the DNA it needs to grow, and the whole process can start again.
