Final answer:
Mitosis is a cell division process comprising four stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase, all of which involve specific behaviors of chromosomes to ensure accurate replication.
Step-by-step explanation:
Behaviour of Chromosomes During Mitosis
Mitosis is a critical process for cell division that ensures each daughter cell receives an identical set of chromosomes. It consists of several distinct stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.
Prophase
During prophase, chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes, and each forms its identical sister chromatid, creating an X-shape structure. The nucleolus disappears, and the nuclear envelope breaks down.
Metaphase
In metaphase, spindle fibers align the sister chromatids of each chromosome along the cell's equator, ensuring chromosomes are prepared for division.
Anaphase
During anaphase, sister chromatids separate and move to opposite poles of the cell as they are pulled apart by the spindle fibers.
Telophase and Cytokinesis
The final stage, telophase followed by cytokinesis, involves the breakdown of the spindle apparatus and the formation of new nuclear membranes. The cell's cytoplasm divides, completing the process of mitosis and resulting in two daughter cells each with a unique set of chromosomes.