Mitosis is the process of cell division that occurs in eukaryotic cells to produce two identical daughter cells. The stages of mitosis are:
- Prophase: Chromosomes condense and become visible under the microscope. The nuclear membrane disintegrates, and the spindle fibers form at opposite poles of the cell.
- Metaphase: The chromosomes align at the equator of the cell, known as the metaphase plate. The spindle fibers attach to the centromeres of the chromosomes.
- Anaphase: The spindle fibers pull the sister chromatids apart at the centromere, and they move towards opposite poles of the cell.
- Telophase: The chromatids reach the poles of the cell, and new nuclear membranes form around each set of chromosomes. The spindle fibers disintegrate.
- Cytokinesis: The cytoplasm divides, and two daughter cells are formed.
During interphase, which occurs before mitosis, the DNA is replicated, and the cell prepares for division. After cytokinesis, the two daughter cells enter interphase again, and the cycle repeats.