Introduction to Mitosis in Plant Cells:  As a plant cell divides by mitosis, the nucleus, DNA, and mitotic spindle apparatus of a cell follow a specific sequence of events to ensure that a cell’s DNA is passed on equally to both daughter cells. Although mitosis is a continual process, scientists have designated several phases (or stages) of mitosis to aid in the study of dividing cells. These phases of mitosis are prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.  In this chapter, you can use pictures of onion root tip cells to learn how to identify the different phases of mitosis and better understand what events occur during each phase of mitosis.

Microscopy:  Use the image slider below to learn how to use a microscope to identify cells dividing by mitosis on an onion root tip slide.

Tutorial:  Use the image slider below to learn how to identify the different phases of mitosis (cell division) in onion root tip cells.  Hover over each image to see additional information regarding events that occur during each mitotic phase.

Tutorial:  Use the image slider below to learn how to identify the different phases of mitosis (cell division) in onion root tip cells.  Hover over each image to learn about the specific events that occur during each mitotic phase.

Tutorial:  Use the image slider below to study numerous examples of onion root tip cells in various phases of mitosis (all images are magnified 400X).

Practice:  Use the image slider below to practice identifying onion root tip cells in various phases of mitosis (all images are magnified 400X).

Practice:  Use the hotspot image below to practice identifying onion root tip cells in various phases of mitosis (all images are magnified 400X).

Practice:  Use the flash cards below to practice identifying onion root tip cells in various phases of mitosis (all images are magnified 400X).

Practice:  Use the drag and drop activity below to practice matching phases of the cell cycle with the specific events that occur in each phase of mitosis in plant cells.