process of nuclear division involving equal division of 1 nucleus into 2 genetically identical nuclei -- produces 2 daughter cells genetically identical to each other

DNA exists as long & thin chromatin when cell is not dividing (chromatin threads cannot be distinguished individually)
DNA replication takes place to produce 2 identical chromatin threads joned at centromere

• chromatin condense, coil and shorten to form chromosomes

• each chromosome consists 2 sister chromatids attached at centromere ( sister chromatids genetically identical as they are 2 identical copies of DNA produced by DNA replication)

spindle fibres pull the chromatids apart to opposite poles of cell

spindle fibres pull chromatids apart to opposite poles of the cell