Dividing cell. Transmission electron micrograph (TEM) of a section through a cell dividing through the process of mitosis. Somatic cells increase in numbers by duplicating their DNA and dividing to form two identical daughter cells. This cell is at the metaphase stage of mitosis, recognised by the equatorial alignment of the chromosomes and the absence of the nuclear membrane. Cell organelles are restricted to the periphery of the mitotic cell. The condensed chromosomes are tethered to microtubules (not visible). Magnification: x14000, when printed 10 centimetres wide.