Phases of mitosis

Prophase is the first step in the mitotic process. During prophase, the chromosomes condense. The centrosomes begin to form a spindle and move into position on opposite sides of the cell. Sister chromatids are held together by a protein called cohesin at the centromere. Prometaphase is the second step in mitosis. During prometaphase, the nuclear membrane breaks down. Chromosomes are beginning to attach to the mitotic spindle. Next, chromosomes assume their most compacted state during metaphase, when the centromeres of all the cell's chromosomes line up at the equator of the spindle. Metaphase is particularly useful in cytogenetics, because chromosomes can be most easily visualized at this stage. During anaphase phase, chromosomes get pulled apart into their sister chromatids and move to opposite ends of the cell. The plasma membrane also starts to indent to prepare for the actual division of the cell. Lastly, there’s telophase. The chromosomes relax, the spindle apparatus disassembles, and the nuclear membrane reforms in each end of the cell.

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