Cell Division & Mitosis Calculator
Calculate how many cells result from mitosis, time through each phase of the cell cycle, and DNA content at each stage of cell division.
Cell Division Guide
Mitosis: Identical Cell Copies
Mitosis produces two genetically identical daughter cells from one parent cell. Each division doubles the cell count: n divisions produce 2ⁿ cells from a single starting cell. Starting from 1 cell: 10 divisions = 1,024 cells. 20 divisions = 1,048,576 cells (~1 million). 37 divisions ≈ 1 × 10¹¹ cells — approximately the number of cells in the human body (starting from a single fertilised egg). DNA content: G1 phase: 2C (diploid DNA content). S phase: replicating, 2C→4C. G2 phase: 4C. After divisi
Cell Cycle Phases
The cell cycle has two major stages: Interphase (approximately 90% of cycle time): G1 (Gap 1) — cell grows, synthesises proteins, 8-11 hours. S (Synthesis) — DNA replication, 6-8 hours. G2 (Gap 2) — cell prepares for division, checks DNA, 4-5 hours. M phase (Mitosis + Cytokinesis) approximately 1-2 hours: Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase, then Cytokinesis. G0 (quiescent): cells that have exited the cycle (e.g. neurons, muscle cells). Cell cycle checkpoints: G1/S checkpoint — checks cell
Mitosis vs Meiosis
Mitosis: one division, two daughter cells, genetically identical to parent (except mutation), diploid→diploid. Used for: growth, repair, asexual reproduction. Meiosis: two divisions, four daughter cells (gametes), genetically different from parent and each other, diploid→haploid. Used for: sexual reproduction. Key differences: meiosis I separates homologous chromosomes (crossing over occurs in prophase I). Meiosis II separates sister chromatids (like mitosis). Crossing over (recombination): homo
Cancer and Cell Division
Cancer is fundamentally a disease of uncontrolled cell division — mutations in cell cycle regulatory genes allow cells to divide without normal controls. Proto-oncogenes (normal): promote cell division when needed (e.g. growth factor receptors). Become oncogenes when mutated — permanently active, drive constant division. Tumour suppressor genes (normal): brake the cell cycle (e.g. p53, Rb). When mutated and inactive, division is not stopped when it should be. p53: the most commonly mutated gene
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