# During the cell cycle, a cell undergoes interphase before entering mitosis. Describe what happens during interphase and then outline the stages of mitosis, in order, that follow it.

> Edexcel A-Level Biology A: Salters-Nuffield (9BN0) — 2.2 Cell cycle and mitosis · Describe · 5 marks

> A skin cell in the human body divides repeatedly throughout a person's lifetime to replace worn-out cells at the surface.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. During interphase the cell grows (increases in size/mass) and new organelles are synthesised
2. During interphase DNA replication occurs so that each chromosome is copied
3. During prophase the chromosomes condense / become visible and the spindle fibres begin to form
4. During metaphase the chromosomes align / line up at the cell equator (middle of the cell)
5. During anaphase the chromatids are pulled to opposite poles of the cell by spindle fibres, followed by cytokinesis producing two genetically identical daughter cells

## Key terms

- [interphase](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/interphase)
- [mitosis](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/mitosis)
- [cell cycle](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/cell-cycle)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Edexcel A-Level Biology A: Salters-Nuffield (9BN0)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/during-the-cell-cycle-a-cell-d45de546) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.