Interphase

occurs before mitosis begins

Chromosomes are copied (# doubles)

Chromosomes appear as threadlike coils (chromatin) at the start, but each chromosome and its copy (sister chromosome) change to sister chromatids at end of this phase

Prophase

1st step in Mitosis

Mitosis begins as the nuclear membrane breaks down.

Centrioles (or poles) appear and begin to move toward the opposite ends of the cell.

Spindle fibers form between the poles.

Metaphase

2nd step in Mitosis

Chromatids (or pairs of chromosomes) attach to the spindle fibers.

The chromosomes all line up along the “equator” of the cell

Anaphase

3rd step in Mitosis

Chromatids (or pairs of chromosomes) separate and begin to move to opposite ends of the cell.

Telophase

4th step in Mitosis

Two new nuclei form.

Chromosomes appear as chromatin (threads rather

than rods).

Mitosis ends.

Cytokinesis

occurs after mitosis

Cell membrane moves inward to create two daughter cells – each with its own nucleus with identical chromosomes