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AAT Bioquest

What are the differences between mitosis and cell division?

Posted November 30, 2023


Answer

Basis of differentiation

Mitosis

Cell division

Definition

Mitosis is the division of the cell nucleus, forming 2 genetically identical daughter cells

Cell division is the process of the self-duplication of cells

Cells found in

Somatic cells exclusively go through mitosis 

Somatic and germ cells both undergo cell division

Mechanism

Consists of 5 phases, interphase, prophase, metaphase, anaphase and telophase

Includes nuclear division and cytokinesis 

Timespan

Mitosis occurs comparatively faster than cell division (compared to the whole process)

Cell division occurs comparatively slower than mitosis 

Additional resources

Dissecting the mechanisms of cell division

Cell Cycle Assays

Cell Meter™ Fluorimetric Live Cell Cycle Assay Kit *Green Fluorescence Optimized for Flow Cytometry*