Mitosis is termed as equational division because chromosome number in each daughter cell is equal to that in the parent cell
There are 4 phases of mitosis:-
1. Prophase
2. Metaphase
3. Anaphase
4. Telophase
Let’s discuss them step by step:-
1. Prophase
- You can remember the term from the word “pro” which is preparing before getting into another phase.
- In this phase golgi complex, endoplasmic reticulum, nucleolus and nuclear envelope disappears.
- Firstly the chromosomal material gets condensed to form chromosomes.
- The centrosomes inside the cell, starts to move towards the poles and the centrosomes radiate few microtubules known as aster rays. These helps in mitosis known as mitotic apparatus.
2. Metaphase
- During metaphase, the nucleus dissolves and the cell’s chromosomes condense and move together, aligning in the center of the dividing cell.
- The alignment formed in the center is known as metaphasic plate.
3. Anaphase
- the chromosomes split and the sister chromatids move towards the opposite poles of the cell.
- The microtubules connecting the chromosomes shorten and the chromatids are pulled towards the centrosome.
4. Telophase
- this is the final stage of cell division in which the spindle disappears
- the nucleus reappears around each set of daughter chromosomes.
- After telophase, cytokinesis takes place in which the cytoplasm is divided to form 2 daughter cells.
