What are the stages of mitosis?

Mitosis consists of four basic phases.

1. Prophase

2. Metaphase

3. Anaphase

4. Telophase

It is a common mistake to believe that interphase is part of mitosis. In fact, interphase is just a preparation stage for mitosis, and so is NOT part of mitosis.

I use PEOPLE, MEET, AND, TALK to help me remember the order of each stage.

Prophase, is the shortening and thickening of the chromosomes from chromatin. During late prophase, the centrioles move to opposite ends of the nucleus, called the poles. The nucleolus disappears and the nuclear membrane disintegrates.

Metaphase sees the chromosomes lining up along the equator, and being attached to the centrioles via the spindle produced. This spindle is attached to the chromosomes centromeres. 

Anaphase is the splitting of the chromosomes into chromatids. These are pulled to oppsit poles by the spindle. 

Telophase is the reformation of the nuclear membrane, to form two cells. Cytokinesis follows, which splits the cell into two daughter cells.