Biology MITOSIS STAGE

What is happening in each mitotic stage?

What happens in Interphase and what does it look like?

What happens:

• Cell grows and performs normal functions

• DNA is replicated

What it looks like:

• Nucleus intact

• No visible chromosomes (DNA is uncondensed chromatin)

What happens in Prophase and what does it look like?

What happens:

• Chromatin condenses into chromosomes

• Nuclear membrane breaks down

• Spindle fibers form

What it looks like:

• Thick, visible chromosomes

• No clear nucleus

What happens in Metaphase and what does it look like?

What happens:

• Chromosomes line up at the cell’s equator

• Spindle fibers attach to centromeres

What it looks like:

• Chromosomes in a straight line across the middle

What happens in Anaphase and what does it look like?

What happens:

• Sister chromatids separate

• Chromatids move to opposite poles

What it looks like:

• V-shaped chromosomes pulling apart

What happens in Telophase and what does it look like?

What happens:

• Chromatids reach opposite poles

• Nuclear membranes reform

• Chromosomes decondense

What it looks like:

• Two nuclei forming in one cell

What happens in Cytokinesis and what does it look like?

What happens:

• Cytoplasm divides

• Two identical daughter cells form

What it looks like:

• Cell membrane pinching inward (cleavage furrow)