STAGES of CELL DIVISION

Interphase

1. Interphase is the time between cell divisions. DNA is found as thin

threads of chromatin in the nucleus. DNA replication occurs during
interphase. Organelles, other than the nucleus, duplicate during
interphase
 Prophase

2. In prophase, the chromatin condenses into chromosomes. The

centrioles move to the opposite ends of the cell, and the nucleolus
and the nuclear envelope disappear. Microtubules form near the
centrioles and project in all directions. Spindle fibers, project toward
an invisible line called the equator and overlap with fibers from
opposite centrioles.
 Metaphase

3. In metaphase, the chromosomes align in the center of the cell in

association with the spindle fibers. Some spindle fibers are attached
to kinetochores in the centromere of each chromosome
 Anaphase

4. In anaphase, the chromatids separate, and each chromatid is then

referred to as a chromosome. Thus, the chromosome number is
double, and there are two identical sets of chromosomes. The
chromosomes, assisted by the spindle fibers, move toward the
centrioles at each end of the cell. Separation of the chromatids
signals the beginning of anaphase, and, by the time anaphase has
ended, the chromosomes have reached the poles
 Telophase and Cytokinesis

5. In telophase, migration of each set of chromosomes is complete. The

chromosomes unravel to become less distinct chromatin threads. The
nuclear envelope forms from the endoplasmic reticulum. The nucleoli
form, and cytokinesis continues to form two cells
 Mitosis

6. Mitosis is complete, and a new interphase begins. The chromosomes

have unraveled to become chromatin. Cell division has produced two
daughter cells, each with DNA that is identical to the DNA of the
parent cell