Final answer:
Mitosis in an onion root consists of prophase, prometaphase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. Each stage can be identified by distinct characteristics observed under a microscope.
Step-by-step explanation:
Phases of Mitosis:
Prophase: Chromatin condenses into chromosomes, nuclear envelope breaks down, and spindle fibers form.
Prometaphase: Chromosomes fully condense and attach to spindle fibers at their centromeres.
Metaphase: Chromosomes align at the metaphase plate, a plane midway between the two poles of the cell.
Anaphase: Sister chromatids separate and are pulled toward opposite poles of the cell.
Telophase: Chromosomes reach opposite poles and decondense, nuclear envelope reforms, and spindle fibers disappear.
In an onion root, you would expect to see cells in various stages of mitosis, with some cells in prophase, some in prometaphase, some in metaphase, some in anaphase, and some in telophase. Each stage would exhibit distinct characteristics that can be observed under a microscope, such as the condensed chromosomes in prophase or the separated sister chromatids in anaphase.