Mitosis is the process of cell division in which one cell divides to produce two new cells that are genetically identical to itself. Mitosis consists of several stages, each with its own characteristic steps. The stages of mitosis are:
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Prophase: During this stage, chromatin condenses into chromosomes, the nuclear envelope breaks down, and spindle fibers emerge from the centrosomes. The chromosomes become visible and appear as X-shaped bodies when viewed under a microscope. The spindle fibers attach to the chromosomes at the centromeres.
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Prometaphase: During this stage, the nuclear envelope breaks down into numerous small vesicles, and the spindle microtubules attach to kinetochores. The centrosomes move toward opposite poles.
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Metaphase: During this stage, the chromosomes line up along the metaphase plate, which is the center of the cell. The spindle fibers attach to the kinetochores of the chromosomes, and the chromosomes are pulled to opposite poles of the cell.
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Anaphase: During this stage, the sister chromatids are pulled apart by the spindle fibers and move towards opposite poles of the cell. The cell begins to elongate as the spindle fibers not attached to the chromosomes lengthen and push the poles of the cell apart.
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Telophase: During this stage, the chromosomes arrive at opposite poles and begin to decondense. Nuclear envelope material surrounds each set of chromosomes, and the mitotic spindle breaks down. Two new nuclei form, one for each set of chromosomes. The chromosomes begin to decondense and return to their “stringy” form. Cytokinesis, the division of the cytoplasm to form two new cells, overlaps with the final stages of mitosis.
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Cytokinesis: This is the final stage of mitosis, where the cell divides into two new cells. In animal cells, a cleavage furrow separates the daughter cells, while in plant cells, a cell plate separates the daughter cells.
Each stage of mitosis is essential for the proper division of the cell and the distribution of genetic material to the daughter cells. Any errors during mitosis can lead to genetic disorders and other abnormalities[[6]](https://teachmephysiology.com/biochemistry/cel...
