# A student observes a series of cells undergoing mitosis. The student notices that in some cells the chromatids are being pulled to opposite poles of the cell, whilst in other cells the chromosomes are lined up at the cell equator. Explain the stages of mitosis that the student is observing, and describe what happens after mitosis is complete to produce two new daughter cells.

> Pearson Edexcel A-Level Biology A (9BI0) — 2.2 Cell cycle and mitosis · Explain · 5 marks

> Mitosis is a form of cell division that produces two genetically identical daughter cells from one parent cell. It occurs in a series of distinct stages.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. The stage where chromosomes align at the cell equator is metaphase
2. The stage where chromatids are pulled to opposite poles is anaphase
3. Spindle fibres pull the chromatids to opposite poles during anaphase
4. After mitosis, cytokinesis occurs — the cytoplasm divides to produce two new daughter cells
5. The two daughter cells produced are genetically identical to each other and to the parent cell / each daughter cell is a diploid cell containing a full set of chromosomes

## Key terms

- [mitosis](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/mitosis)
- [chromatid](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/chromatid)
- [daughter cells](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/daughter-cells)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Pearson Edexcel A-Level Biology A (9BI0)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

---
Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-student-observes-a-series-of-5d25d00c) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.