Answer: C - Chromophase is not a phase of mitosis. Mitosis is a type of cell division that results in two daughter cells. The phases of mitosis are prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase, cytokinesis, and interphase.
Mitosis is the process by which a eukaryotic cell divides its nucleus to produce two daughter nuclei that are genetically identical to the parent nucleus. Mitosis is divided into several distinct phases that are characterized by specific events and changes in the organization of the chromosomes.
The phases of mitosis are as follows:
- Prophase: This is the first phase of mitosis, during which the chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes, each consisting of two sister chromatids joined at a centromere. The nuclear envelope breaks down, and the spindle apparatus, composed of microtubules, begins to form at opposite poles of the cell.
- Prometaphase: During this phase, the spindle apparatus attaches to the kinetochores on the centromeres of each chromosome, and the chromosomes begin to move toward the center of the cell.
- Metaphase: In this phase, the chromosomes are aligned at the metaphase plate, a plane that bisects the cell, with the help of the spindle apparatus.
- Anaphase: During anaphase, the sister chromatids separate at the centromeres and are pulled apart toward opposite poles of the cell by the shortening of the microtubules.
- Telophase: This is the final phase of mitosis, during which the spindle apparatus disassembles, and the nuclear envelope reforms around the separated sister chromatids at each pole. The chromosomes begin to uncoil, and the cell prepares for cytokinesis, the division of the cytoplasm, which marks the end of the cell division process.
These phases ensure that the daughter cells receive identical copies of the genetic material and are vital for the proper development and function of multicellular organisms.
