Interphase

The preparation of the cell for

mitosis. The cell grows,
duplicates its DNA
(chromosomes) and makes new
organelles.

Chromosomes are long, thin and coiled around each other

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Prophase
The condension of the
chromosomes, containing two
sister chromatids joined by a
centromere. They are now thick
enough to be seen with a
microscope. The nucleus
disappears, and later the
nuclear envelope will break
down. Mitotic spindle forms.

Chromosomes have replicated and now contain two identical chromatids.

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Prometaphase / Metaphase
chromosomes are attached to spindle fibers
and are moving towards the center of the cell.

spindle fibers connect to chromatids, and start to

pull chromosomes to the center of cell.
Chromosomes line up in the middle of the cell, and
the mitotic spindle is fully formed.

Chromosomes are lined up in the middle of the cell.

O
O

O
O
O

Anaphase
Sister chromatids separate
into daughter
chromosomes.
Chromosomes move down
spindle fibers toward the
poles, while the fibers
shorten, pulling
chromosomes closer to the
poles. Non-attached spindle
fibers grow larger, pushing
poles apart.

Chromosomes have been pulled apart to poles of cell

O
O

Telophase
Chromosomes have
reached poles of the
spindle. The spindle then
disappears, two nuclear
envelopes form around the
sets of daughter
chromosomes, the
chromosomes uncoil and
lengthen, and the nucleus
has reappeared.

Chromosomes have reached the poles of the cell, and have uncoiled
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Cytokinesis
The cells cytoplasm
divides into two daughter
cells, each with an
identical nucleus and the
correct amount of
organelles.

Chromosomes are contained inside nucleus

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Daughter Cells
The daughter cells are
genetically identical,
with the appropriate
amount of organelles
and proper attributes
(shape, size, color,
etc.). They know what
their function is.

in the nuclei make fo

Identical chromosomes
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r genetically identical ce
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lls