The four stages of mitosis are prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. These stages occur in strict sequential order, and cytokinesis, the process of dividing the cell contents to make two new cells, starts in anaphase or telophase. The following is a brief description of each stage:
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Prophase: Chromatin condenses into chromosomes, the nuclear envelope breaks down, and chromosomes attach to spindle fibers by their centromeres.
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Metaphase: Chromosomes line up along the metaphase plate, which is the center of the cell.
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Anaphase: Sister chromatids are pulled to opposite poles of the cell.
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Telophase: Nuclear envelope reforms, chromosomes unfold into chromatin, and cytokinesis can begin.
It is important to note that some textbooks list five stages of mitosis, breaking prophase into an early phase (called prophase) and a late phase (called prometaphase) .
