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1.   2.   3. 4.   5.   6. Mitosis in root tip cells of Lilium regale. (Figures from: Suzuki et al. (1986), p. 35)

During the early stagets of mitotic chromosome replication (figures 1 and 2) the chromosomes thicken and double (i.e., replicate) themselves before lining up along the midline of the cell (figures 3 and 4). Thin strands are formed which anchor themselves to either side of the now doubled chromosomes, pulling them in half (figure 5). Each half (actually a complete chromosome) is pulled to the opposite side of the cell where a new nucleus is formed (figure 6). The remainder of the cell division now continues with two daughter cells being formed.