During mitosis, the cell separates its cytoplasm, organelles and DNA equally. Mitosis is a continuous process but it is useful to divide it into four stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.
1. During prophase, the nuclear membrane disappears and a framework of microtubules is formed. The microtubules form spindle fibers that originate at the poles. Some spindle fibers span the entire cell and others attach to the chromosomes. The spindle fibers function to move the chromosomes.
2. During metaphase, each chromosome is positioned along the central axis of the cell called the metaphase plate. The centromeres are situated directly along the metaphase plate with the each chromatid positioned on opposite sides of the metaphase plate. The cell begins to elongate.
3. During anaphase, each centromere splits into two, causing sister chromatids to separate. Once separated, each chromatid is considered a chromosome and the once-joined sisters are pulled to opposite poles of the cell by the microtubules. Also during anaphase, the entire cell begins to elongate and, therefore, further separates the sister chromosomes.
4. During telophase, a daughter nuclei begins to form at each pole, enveloping the gathered chromosomes. Finally during cytokinesis, the cytoplasm divides resulting in two genetically identical daughter cells.
Hope this helps!
