nuclear division (PMAT) → 2 nuclei
The process of nuclear division, also known as mitosis, involves a series of stages known as PMAT: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.
During prophase, the nuclear membrane breaks down, and the chromatin condenses to form visible chromosomes. The centrioles also move to opposite poles of the cell, and spindle fibers begin to form.
In metaphase, the chromosomes line up along the equator of the cell, and the spindle fibers attach to the centromeres of the chromosomes.
Anaphase is characterized by the separation of sister chromatids. The spindle fibers pull the sister chromatids apart, moving them to opposite poles of the cell.
Finally, in telophase, the newly separated chromosomes reach the poles of the cell, and the nuclear membrane starts to reform around each set of chromosomes. Cytokinesis then follows, leading to the division of the cytoplasm and formation of two separate nuclei.