Question

Beginning with prophase, list the parts of mitosis in order and give a brief description of what happens in each phase.

a. Prophase - Chromosomes condense and nuclear envelope breaks down.
b. Metaphase - Chromosomes align at the cell's equator.
c. Anaphase - Sister chromatids separate and move to opposite poles.
d. Telophase - Chromosomes decondense, and nuclear envelope reforms.

Answer 1

Mitosis is the division of the nucleus of a eukaryotic cell into two genetically identical daughter cells, involving four phases: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. These stages ensure the proper replication and separation of chromosomes.

Step-by-step explanation:

During the process of mitosis, a eukaryotic cell divides its nucleus, resulting in two genetically identical daughter cells. This process occurs in four distinctive phases:

1. Prophase - The initial stage of mitosis where chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes. The nuclear envelope disintegrates, and the centrosomes begin to move to opposite poles of the cell. Spindle fibers start forming from the microtubules.
2. Metaphase - Chromosomes align along the equator of the cell, guided by spindle fibers connected to the centromeres of the chromosomes.
3. Anaphase - The sister chromatids are pulled apart by the spindle fibers and move toward opposite poles of the cell, ensuring each new cell will receive an identical set of chromosomes.
4. Telophase - The separated chromosomes begin to decondense, and new nuclear envelopes form around each set of chromosomes, marking the end of nuclear division.

Following telophase, cytokinesis occurs, which is the division of the cell's cytoplasm, completing the process of cell division.