What happens prior to and during mitosis?

Mitosis is the process in which a cell divides into two new cells. Cells contain DNA in the form of chromosomes as well as organelles such as ribosomes and mitochondria. Therefore if a cell is to divide into two, each chromosome must be replicated and more organelles produced prior to the start of mitosis. During the process of mitosis the newly synthesised chromosomes and organelles must be divided. Each chromosome is therefore pulled to opposite sides of the cells before the cell membrane is split into two, producing two cells.