Mitosis consists of four primary stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. Some sources include prometaphase as a fifth stage, while interphase precedes it but is not part of mitosis itself. This process ensures cells divide accurately for growth and repair.

Core Stages

Mitosis divides the nucleus into two identical sets of chromosomes during these key phases.

  • Prophase : Chromosomes condense, the nuclear envelope breaks down, and spindle fibers form.
  • Metaphase : Chromosomes align at the cell's equator along the metaphase plate.
  • Anaphase : Sister chromatids separate and move toward opposite poles.
  • Telophase : Chromosomes decondense, nuclear envelopes reform, completing nuclear division.

Variations in Counting

Textbooks differ on stage count due to how they group events.

  • Four stages (PMAT): Common in basic education, omitting prometaphase.
  • Five stages: Adds prometaphase, where spindle fibers attach to kinetochores.
  • Six including interphase: Though interphase (G1, S, G2) prepares DNA replication, it's separate from mitosis proper.

Stage Count| Included Phases| Common Context 13
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4| Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase| High school basics
5| + Prometaphase| College biology
6| + Interphase| Full cell cycle overviews

Why It Matters

Mitosis powers multicellular life, from embryo development to wound healing, producing genetically identical daughters. Errors can lead to issues like cancer, highlighting its precision.

TL;DR : Standard answer is 4 stages , expandable to 5; interphase isn't mitosis. Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.