Mitosis is divided into the following four stages:
(i) Prophase:
(a) Chromatin material shortens and condenses into thread like structures called chromosomes.
(b) Each chromosome consists of two chromatids joined at a point called centromere.
(c) At the end of the prophase, the nucleolus and nuclear membrane disappear. The cellular protein content condenses into a spindle.
(ii) Metaphase:
(a) A bipolar, anastral spindle develops in the cell
(b) The chromosomes appear short and thick., each having two chromatids.
Metaphase Stage
Early Anaphase
Late Anaphase
Telophase
(c) The chromatids become clear and get attached to the poles by spindle fibres at their centromeres.
(d) Chromosomes become arranged at the equator of the spindle.
(iii) Anaphase:
(a) The centromeres split into two and the fibres pull the daughter centromeres to the opposite poles.
(b) The daughter chromosomes (with separated chromatids) appear V, J, L and I shaped depending upon the position of centromere.
(iv) Telophase:
(a) The chromosomes reach the poles of the cell, uncoil, lengthen and lose the ability to be seen clearly.
(b) The spindle fibres disintegrate.
(c) Nuclear membrane and nucleolus reappear and two daughter nuclei appear at opposite poles
(v) Karyokinesis is followed by cytokinesis where the following events takes place:
(a) Cell plate formation takes place between the two daughter nuclei.
(b) Two daughter cells are formed.
