Final Answer: Before a cell is ready to begin the process of mitosis, several preparatory steps need to occur. Here is an explanation of what must happen:
Explantaion: Interphase: The cell goes through a phase called interphase, which consists of three stages: G1, S, and G2. During interphase, the cell grows, carries out its normal functions, and duplicates its DNA through the process of DNA replication. This ensures that each daughter cell will receive a complete set of genetic material during mitosis.
Chromosome condensation: As the cell prepares for mitosis, the duplicated DNA molecules condense and become tightly coiled structures called chromosomes. This condensation allows for easier manipulation and separation of the genetic material during mitosis.
Formation of the mitotic spindle: The cell begins to assemble a structure called the mitotic spindle, which is made up of microtubules. The mitotic spindle helps to separate the duplicated chromosomes during mitosis by attaching to specialized structures on the chromosomes called kinetochores.
Nuclear envelope breakdown: In preparation for cell division, the nuclear envelope, which surrounds the nucleus, breaks down. This breakdown allows the duplicated chromosomes to interact with the mitotic spindle and ensures their proper alignment and separation during mitosis.
Once these steps have taken place, the cell is ready to enter mitosis, which consists of several phases, including prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. During these phases, the chromosomes align, separate, and move to opposite ends of the cell, and new nuclear envelopes form around the separated chromosomes. Finally, the cell divides into two daughter cells in a process called cytokinesis.
Overall, before a cell can begin the process of mitosis, it needs to complete interphase, condense its chromosomes, form the mitotic spindle, and undergo nuclear envelope breakdown. These preparatory steps ensure the accurate distribution of genetic material and the successful division of the cell.