What is mitosis?

Mitosis is the process of cells dividing to form two identical daughter cells. It consists of five stages: interphase, prophase, metaphase, anaphase and telophase. Interphase is the stage during which the cell prepares for division by copying its genetic material. During prophase, the nuclear membrane begins to degrade and the chromosomes start to condense and become visible. In metaphase, the chromosomes line up across the centre of the cell and sister chromatids are attached to spindles from opposite poles of the cell. Then, in anaphase, the spindle fibres start to pull the chromatids apart to opposite sides of the cell and the cell starts to elongate. Finally, in telophase, the chromosomes have reached opposite poles of the cell, the spindles begin to break down and division begins. The division of the cell is called cytokinesis.