What phase comes after prophase during mitosis?

What phase comes after prophase during mitosis?

• A. Telophase
• B. Anaphase
• C. Metaphase
• D. Cytokinesis

Answer: (C)

After the prophase stage of mitosis, the next phase is actually metaphase. During metaphase, the chromosomes align at the cell's equatorial plane, known as the metaphase plate. This alignment is crucial because it ensures that each daughter cell will receive an identical set of chromosomes during the subsequent stages of cell division. In prophase, the chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes, and the nuclear envelope begins to break down, setting the stage for the chromosomes to be organized and prepared for separation. In contrast, during metaphase, the mitotic spindle fibers attach to the centromeres of the chromosomes, facilitating their proper alignment and ensuring that each chromosome is positioned to be pulled apart to opposite poles of the cell. Subsequent to metaphase is anaphase, during which the sister chromatids are pulled apart towards opposite ends of the cell, followed by telophase, where the chromosomes de-condense, and the nuclear envelope re-forms around each set of chromosomes. Cytokinesis is the final step that typically occurs after telophase, resulting in the physical separation of the cytoplasm into two distinct daughter cells. Thus, the sequence of phases is essential for the accurate distribution of genetic material during cell division.

After the prophase stage of mitosis, the next phase is actually metaphase. During metaphase, the chromosomes align at the cell's equatorial plane, known as the metaphase plate. This alignment is crucial because it ensures that each daughter cell will receive an identical set of chromosomes during the subsequent stages of cell division.

In prophase, the chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes, and the nuclear envelope begins to break down, setting the stage for the chromosomes to be organized and prepared for separation. In contrast, during metaphase, the mitotic spindle fibers attach to the centromeres of the chromosomes, facilitating their proper alignment and ensuring that each chromosome is positioned to be pulled apart to opposite poles of the cell.

Subsequent to metaphase is anaphase, during which the sister chromatids are pulled apart towards opposite ends of the cell, followed by telophase, where the chromosomes de-condense, and the nuclear envelope re-forms around each set of chromosomes. Cytokinesis is the final step that typically occurs after telophase, resulting in the physical separation of the cytoplasm into two distinct daughter cells. Thus, the sequence of phases is essential for the accurate distribution of genetic material during cell division.