what are the four phases of mitosis???
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can someone please help me!
http://www.factmonster.com/ce6/sci/A0859690.html
thanks
You're welcome.
prophase, metaphase, anaphase and telophase
The four phases of mitosis are prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. I will now explain each phase in detail so you can get a better understanding of the process.
1. Prophase: In this phase, the first visible sign of mitosis occurs. The chromatin, which is the DNA in the cell, condenses into tightly coiled structures called chromosomes. The nuclear envelope also breaks down, and the centrosomes separate and move to opposite poles of the cell. Spindle fibers begin to form between the centrosomes.
2. Metaphase: During metaphase, the condensed chromosomes align at the center of the cell, known as the metaphase plate. The fully formed spindle fibers attach to the centromeres of each chromosome. This alignment ensures that each daughter cell will receive an equal number of chromosomes during cell division.
3. Anaphase: In anaphase, the paired chromosomes separate at the centromere, splitting into two identical sister chromatids. The spindle fibers attached to the centromeres gradually shorten, pulling the sister chromatids away from each other and towards opposite poles of the cell. This ensures that each daughter cell will receive a complete set of chromosomes.
4. Telophase: During telophase, the nuclear envelope reforms around the separated chromosomes at each pole of the cell. The chromosomes begin to decondense, returning to their chromatin form. The spindle fibers disassemble, and the cell prepares for cytokinesis, which is the division of the cytoplasm and formation of two separate daughter cells.
Understanding the different phases of mitosis can help you comprehend the intricate process of cell division and how genetic material is distributed accurately to daughter cells.