In the first step, called interphase, the

DNA strand of a chromosome is copied

(the DNA strand is replicated) and this
copied strand is attached to the original
strand at a spot called the centromere.
This new structure is called a bivalent
chromosome. A bivalent chromosome
consists of two sister chromatids (DNA

During prometaphase, a transition

As the cell exits phase
the second between
gap, the cell
prophase andwillmetaphase,
now proceed chromatin materials
to mitosis. Duringhave
coiled to form the chromosomes.
prophase, the first partThe nucleusthe
of mitosis, and other
organelles are no longer
chromatin visible.start
materials Thetocentrioles
condense,have
reached theforming
oppositediscrete
poles ofchromosomes.
the cell. Spindle
Thefibers
converge and connect
nucleus andtoother
the kinetochore
organelles ofofthe cell
chromosomes.startAs
to the interconnection
disintegrate. of spindle
Centrioles start tofibers
to the chromosomes,
move towardspecifically to their
the opposite polekinetochore,
of the cell
has ended, the cell enters the metaphase checkpoint.
This checkpoint ensures that all of the chromosomes are