Prophase

What is prophase in mitosis

The first stage in mitosis where chromosomes become visible, nuclear envelope breaks down and mitotic spindle begins to form

What happens to chromosomes during prophase

Chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes

What does each chromosome consist of

Two sister chromatids joined at the centromere

What is the mitotic spindle and how does it form during prophase

The structure made of microtubules that helps separate the chromosomes - centromeres move to opposite ends of the cell and microtubules grow from them attaching to the chromosomes

What is the importance of prophase

It prepares the cell for chromosome separation by condensing them, breaking down nuclear envelope and forming the mitotic spindle