Which event marks the beginning of mitosis?

Which event marks the beginning of mitosis?

• A. Cytokinesis
• B. Metaphase
• C. Prophase
• D. Telophase

Answer: (C)

Prophase marks the start of mitosis. It’s the first stage where the duplicated chromosomes condense and become visible, the nucleolus disappears, and the mitotic spindle begins to form as centrosomes move to opposite ends of the cell. The nuclear envelope starts to break down, setting the stage for the chromosomes to be organized and separated in the following stages. After prophase, the process continues with metaphase, then anaphase, and telophase, with cytokinesis happening after mitosis to split the cytoplasm.

Prophase marks the start of mitosis. It’s the first stage where the duplicated chromosomes condense and become visible, the nucleolus disappears, and the mitotic spindle begins to form as centrosomes move to opposite ends of the cell. The nuclear envelope starts to break down, setting the stage for the chromosomes to be organized and separated in the following stages. After prophase, the process continues with metaphase, then anaphase, and telophase, with cytokinesis happening after mitosis to split the cytoplasm.