What are the stages of mitosis? | Mitosis – Simply explained!

What are the stages of mitosis?

The cell cycle, which is responsible for cell division and thus also for cell proliferation, can be divided into interphase and mitosis. In interphase, the DNA is doubled and the cell is prepared for the upcoming mitosis. This phase of the cell cycle can be of varying length and varies greatly depending on the cell type.

Mitosis is the second phase of the cell cycle and involves the division of the genetic material and the formation of two identical daughter cells from a common mother cell. This cell division process can be divided into different stages in which characteristic processes always occur. Depending on the source, four to six stages are distinguished.

In the beginning, there is the prophase, in which the two chromosomes condense and the spindle apparatus is also formed. Next, the two maximally condensed chromosomes arrange themselves in the equatorial plane, which is described as metaphase. Between these two stages, some authors mention the prometaphase.

The next step is the separation of both sister chromatids in the anaphase. Finally, a new nuclear membrane is formed in the telophase and the chromosomes loosen again. In some books the so-called cytokinesis is still considered as a separate phase.

During cytokinesis, the new cell body constricts itself, so that finally two identical daughter cells are formed. This might also be of interest to you: Tasks of the cell nucleusThe metaphase is a component of mitosis and thus a stage in the cell division of body cells. It is the third phase of mitosis and follows the prometaphase.

After the chromosomes have condensed and the nuclear membrane has dissolved, the double set of chromosomes is arranged in the equatorial plane. The metaphase is also the only phase of mitosis in which the chromosomes are clearly visible under the microscope. This is due to the fact that the DNA has taken on its most compact form during this phase of cell division.

The two 2-chromatide chromosomes are now located next to each other on the equatorial plane of the cell. This plane has approximately the same distance to both cell poles. This position is ensured by the spindle apparatus which separates the sister chromatids from each other in the further course of mitosis.

The anaphase is the fourth phase of mitosis and thus a step in the cell division of nucleated cells.After the chromosomes have condensed and arranged themselves in the equatorial plane in the metaphase, the anaphase follows. In this step, the sister chromatids are separated from each other by the spindle apparatus and pulled to opposite cell poles. Thus, the actual chromosome division begins in the anaphase.

In this way, an original mother cell with a double set of 2-chromatid chromosomes is transformed into another double set of chromosomes. However, this set now consists of only two 1-chromatide chromosomes. The anaphase is followed by the telophase.

The telophase describes the last step of mitosis, in which the genetic information of nucleated cells is divided in order to be able to propagate cells. The telophase follows the anaphase. The sister chromatids were pulled from the equatorial plane to the opposite cell poles with the help of the spindle apparatus.

In the telophase, the chromosomes have each reached their cell pole and the spindle apparatus dissolves. At the same time, a new nuclear envelope is formed from the fragments of the disintegrated nuclear membrane. This chromosome division is now followed by cytokinesis in a further step. In this process, a cell body is constricted, so that two independent but identical daughter cells are formed. This might also be of interest to you: Tasks of the cell nucleus