Mitosis is a type of cell division in which one cell divides to produce two new cells that are genetically identical to itself. The process of mitosis is divided into four or five stages, depending on the source. Here are the four stages of mitosis:
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Prophase: During this stage, chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes, and the nuclear envelope breaks down. The centrioles move to opposite poles of the cell, and spindle fibers begin to form.
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Metaphase: In this stage, the chromosomes line up along the equator of the cell, known as the metaphase plate. The spindle fibers attach to the centromeres of the chromosomes.
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Anaphase: During this stage, the spindle fibers pull the sister chromatids apart at the centromeres, and the chromosomes move towards opposite poles of the cell.
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Telophase: In this final stage, the chromosomes reach the poles of the cell, and the nuclear envelope reforms around each set of chromosomes. The spindle fibers disassemble, and the chromosomes begin to decondense back into chromatin.
Its worth noting that some sources divide prophase into two stages, called early prophase and late prophase, while others include an additional stage called prometaphase. However, the four stages listed above are the most commonly recognized stages of mitosis.
