Mitosis by: James McCartney

Mitosis is the process by which a eukaryotic cell separates the chromosomes in its cell nucleus into two identical sets

in two nuclei.

Interphase

In cell division, the interface is the cell that divides to give rise to two daughter cells.

Transition between the Interphase and Prophase

Prophase

The first stage of mitosis, during which the chromosomes condense and become visible, the nuclear membrane breaks down, and the spindle apparatus forms at opposite poles of the cell.

Transition between the prophase and prometaphase

Prometaphase

In this stage the nuclear envelope breaks down so there is no longer a recognizable nucleus. Some mitotic spindle fibers elongate from the centrosomes and attach to kinetochores, protein bundles at the centromere region on the chromosomes where sister chromatids are joined. Other spindle fibers elongate but instead of attaching to chromosomes, overlap each other at the cell center.

Transition between prophase and Metaphase

Metaphase

The stage of mitosis and meiosis, following prophase and preceding anaphase, during which the chromosomes are aligned along the metaphase plate.

Transition between Metaphase and Anaphase

Anaphase

The stage of mitosis and meiosis in which the chromosomes move to opposite ends of the nuclear spindle.

Transition between Anaphase and Telophase

Telophase

The final stage of mitosis or meiosis during which the chromosomes of daughter cells are grouped in new nuclei.

Transmission between Telophase and Cytokinesis

Cytokinesis

The spindle fibers not attached to chromosomes begin breaking down until only that portion of overlap is left. It is in this region that a contractile ring cleaves the cell into two daughter cells. Microtubules then reorganize into a new cytoskeleton for the return to interphase.

Interphase

In cell division, the interface is the cell that divides to give rise to two daughter cells.