Mitosis is an important process that helps our cells divide and make sure they stay the same. Here’s a simple breakdown of how it works:

1. Copying Chromosomes: Before mitosis happens, there’s a stage called the S phase. During this time, each of our 46 chromosomes (which come in 23 pairs) gets copied. So, we end up with 92 identical strands called sister chromatids.

2. Steps of Mitosis: Mitosis happens in several key steps:

   • Prophase: The DNA changes from a messy form called chromatin into tidy, visible chromosomes.
   • Metaphase: The chromosomes line up in the middle of the cell, so they can be split evenly.
   • Anaphase: The sister chromatids get pulled apart to opposite sides of the cell by tiny fibers.
   • Telophase: New nuclear envelopes form around each group of chromosomes.

3. Cytokinesis: After mitosis is done, the cell’s cytoplasm divides too, creating two cells that are just like the original.

4. Keeping Genetics Steady: After one round of mitosis, each new cell has the same set of chromosomes as the original (which is called a diploid set). This is super important for keeping our genetics consistent from one cell division to the next.

Overall, mitosis is very precise. There’s only about 1 mistake in every 10 million base pairs when the cell copies its DNA. This shows just how important it is for our cells to divide correctly!