With the aid of the well labeled diagram, describe any five phase of mitosis
Mitosis is the process of cell division that occurs in eukaryotic cells. It includes five phases: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase, and cytokinesis.
1. Prophase: In this phase, the chromatin condenses, forming visible chromosomes. The nuclear membrane disintegrates, and the spindle fibers start to form, extending from the centrosomes. The paired centrosomes move towards opposite poles of the cell.
2. Metaphase: During metaphase, the chromosomes line up at the equator of the cell, known as the metaphase plate. The spindle fibers attach to the kinetochores, which are protein structures on each chromosome, and help align the chromosomes accurately.
3. Anaphase: Anaphase is characterized by the separation of sister chromatids. The spindle fibers contract, pulling the chromosomes towards opposite poles of the cell. The cell is elongated as the poles move away from each other.
4. Telophase: Telophase marks the end of chromosome movement. The spindle fibers disappear, and a new nuclear envelope forms around each set of chromosomes. The chromosomes decondense back into chromatin. Two distinct nuclei begin to form.
5. Cytokinesis: Cytokinesis is the final stage of cell division, in which the cytoplasm of the parent cell is divided into two daughter cells. In animal cells, a cleavage furrow forms, pinching the cell into two. In plant cells, a cell plate forms in the middle, which eventually becomes the new cell wall.
These stages ensure the accurate distribution of genetic material and organelles to the daughter cells, maintaining the proper functioning of the organism.