Start with this short video, then scroll down for the full guide.
Why This Matters for Nursing: Cell division is essential for growth, healing, and tissue repair. Understanding the cell cycle helps you understand wound healing, cancer (uncontrolled division), and how chemotherapy drugs work.
The cell cycle is the series of events a cell goes through from one division to the next. There are two main types of cell division:
| Type | Purpose | Result | Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mitosis | Growth, repair, replacement | 2 identical daughter cells | All body cells |
| Meiosis | Sexual reproduction | 4 genetically unique cells | Egg and sperm cells |
IPMAT for Mitosis stages: Interphase (preparation) Prophase Metaphase Anaphase Telophase
"I Picked My Apples Today"
Mitosis = Makes Identical Twins (2 cells) Meiosis = Makes 4 (for reproduction)
The cell grows and prepares for division:
| Phase | What Happens |
|---|---|
| G1 (Gap 1) | Cell grows; normal functions |
| S (Synthesis) | DNA replicates (copies itself) |
| G2 (Gap 2) | Cell prepares for division |
Actual division occurs: Mitosis + Cytokinesis
| Feature | Mitosis | Meiosis |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Growth, repair | Reproduction |
| Starting cells | 1 | 1 |
| Ending cells | 2 | 4 |
| Genetic content | Identical to parent | Half of parent (unique) |
| Chromosome number | Same (diploid→diploid) | Halved (diploid→haploid) |
| Divisions | 1 | 2 |
| Occurs in | All body cells | Sex cells only |
When egg (23) + sperm (23) combine → zygote (46)
Description: Chromosomes are lined up in the center of the cell.
Step 1 — Identify the key action. The key word is "lined up in the center." Which phase does that describe?
Step 2 — Use your memory trick. M = Middle. The phase where chromosomes march to the middle of the cell is Metaphase. It's like the chromosomes are lining up for inspection before being pulled apart.
Answer: Metaphase
Description: Sister chromatids are being pulled to opposite ends.
Step 1 — Identify the action. "Being pulled to opposite ends" = chromosomes separating, moving away from each other toward opposite poles of the cell.
Step 2 — Use the memory trick. A = Apart. The phase where chromosomes are pulled Apart to opposite poles is Anaphase. Think of the "A" arms of the letter A pointing outward — the chromosomes are splitting to the sides.
Answer: Anaphase
The worked examples and practice problems are the part that actually prepares you for the TEAS.
Unlock Full Guide — Free for 3 Days$0 today • Cancel anytime before your trial ends