Arrange the phases of mitosis in the correct order.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The phases of mitosis occur in a specific sequence to ensure accurate division of the cell’s genetic material. These phases are:
- Prophase
- Metaphase
- Anaphase
- Telophase
Explanation:
- Prophase: This is the first stage of mitosis where the chromatin (a complex of DNA and proteins) condenses into visible chromosomes. Each chromosome consists of two sister chromatids joined by a centromere. The nuclear envelope begins to break down, and the mitotic spindle, a structure made of microtubules, begins to form. The centrioles move to opposite poles of the cell, organizing the microtubules into the spindle fibers.
- Metaphase: In this phase, the chromosomes align along the metaphase plate, which is an imaginary line equidistant from the two poles of the cell. The spindle fibers attach to the centromeres of the chromosomes via a structure called the kinetochore. The chromosomes are now lined up in preparation for their separation.
- Anaphase: During anaphase, the sister chromatids are pulled apart by the spindle fibers. The centromere splits, and each chromatid moves toward opposite poles of the cell. This separation ensures that each daughter cell will receive an identical set of chromosomes.
- Telophase: In this final phase, the separated chromatids reach the poles of the cell. A new nuclear envelope forms around each set of chromosomes, which begin to de-condense back into chromatin. The spindle fibers disassemble, and the cell is almost ready to divide into two.
After mitosis, the cell proceeds into cytokinesis, where the cytoplasm is divided, resulting in two genetically identical daughter cells.
Mitosis is a critical process for growth, development, and tissue repair in multicellular organisms. It ensures that each daughter cell has the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell.
