Final answer:
Mitosis is the process of cell division in eukaryotic cells that involves a series of phases. The genetic material is divided, and new nuclei are formed. Prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase, and cytokinesis are the stages of mitosis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mitosis is the process of cell division that occurs in eukaryotic cells. It involves a series of phases- prophase, prometaphase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase- that result in the division of the cell nucleus. During mitosis, the genetic material is divided, and two new nuclei are formed.
Prophase is the first phase of mitosis, where chromatin condenses into chromosomes, and the nuclear envelope breaks down. Next, in metaphase, the chromosomes align in the middle of the cell. In anaphase, the sister chromatids separate and move to opposite poles of the cell, while in telophase, the nuclear envelope reforms, and the chromosomes uncoil. Finally, cytokinesis occurs, which is the physical separation of the cytoplasmic components into two daughter cells.