Answer:
Interphase:
The DNA is present as uncondensed chromatin, which is not visible under a microscope. The DNA is contained within a clearly defined nucleus
. Centrosomes and other organelles have been duplicated
, and the cell is enlarged in preparation for division
.
Prophase:
The DNA supercoils and chromosomes condense, becoming visible under a microscope). The chromosomes are comprised of genetically identical sister chromatids, which are joined at a centromere). Paired centrosomes then move to the opposite poles of the cell and form microtubule spindle fibers
, the nuclear membrane breaks down, and the nucleus dissolves
.
Metaphase:
The microtubule spindle fibers from both centrosomes connect to the centromere of each chromosome
, microtubule depolymerisation causes spindle fibers to shorten in length and contract
, causing chromosomes to align along the center of the cell.
Anaphase:
The continued contraction of the spindle fibers cause genetically identical sister chromatids to separate
. Once the chromatids separate, they are individual chromosomes. The genetically identical chromosomes move to the opposite poles of the cell
.
Telophase:
Once the two chromosome sets arrive at the poles, spindle fibers dissolve and chromosomes decondense, becoming invisible under light microscopes. Nuclear membranes reform around each chromosome set
, and cytokinesis occurs concurrently, splitting the cell into two separate cells.
