Final answer:
The correct order of mitosis phases is prophase, prometaphase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase, with cytokinesis often following these stages. During these phases, chromosomes condense, align, separate, and are enclosed in new nuclear envelopes before the cell splits.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Correct Order of Mitosis Phases
Mitosis is a critical process of cell division that ensures each new cell receives an identical set of chromosomes. The correct order of events in mitosis is prophase, prometaphase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase, often followed by cytokinesis. Here is a brief description of each:
- Prophase: Chromosomes condense and become visible. The nuclear envelope breaks down, and the spindle apparatus begins to form.
- Prometaphase: The nuclear envelope is now dissolved, and microtubules attach to the kinetochores of the chromosomes.
- Metaphase: Chromosomes line up at the metaphase plate. Each chromosome's kinetochores are attached to microtubules from opposite spindle poles.
- Anaphase: Sister chromatids separate and are pulled towards opposite spindle poles, now becoming individual chromosomes.
- Telophase: Nuclear envelopes re-form around the separated sets of chromosomes, which begin to decondense. The spindle apparatus disassembles.
Cytokinesis usually occurs after mitosis, wherein the cell's cytoplasm divides to form two separate daughter cells.