© Copyright 2002 Nelson Thomson Learning
interphase
The cell replicates its DNA and
prepares for nuclear division. In
humans, each of the 46 chromosomes duplicates itself. The result
is 46 duplicated chromosomes, or
46 pairs of chromatids.
early prophase
The chromosomes condense,
becoming shorter and thicker.
The centrioles move to opposite poles of the cell and spindle fibres start to form.
late prophase
Chromosomes continue to condense.
The centrioles assemble and spindle
fibres attach to the centromeres of
the chromosomes. The nuclear membrane starts to dissolve.
Mitosis in an Animal Cell
3.2
interphase
telophase
Chromosomes lengthen again, the
spindle fibres dissolve, and a
nuclear membrane forms around
the chromosomes. In humans,
each new nucleus contains
46 unique chromosomes.
anaphase
The centromeres divide and the
resulting chromosomes, formerly
chromatids, move to opposite
poles of the cell. An identical
set of chromosomes moves to
each pole.
Biology 11, page 88–89, Figure 4 19
metaphase
Chromosomes line up
at the equatorial plate.
The nuclear membrane
completely dissolves.
Nelson Biology 11