The diagram given below represents a stage during cell division. Study the same and answer the questions that follow: The diagram given below represents a stage during cell division. Study the same and answer the questions that follow:
What is the stage that comes before the stage shown in the diagram?
Topic: Stage before metaphase
Answer
PROPHASE.
The order of mitosis: INTERPHASE → PROPHASE → METAPHASE → ANAPHASE → TELOPHASE.
A memory aid for the sequence: I Pass My Anatomy Test.
WHAT HAPPENS IN PROPHASE, since part (v) asks you to draw it: the chromosomes condense and become visible, each as two chromatids joined at a centromere; the NUCLEAR MEMBRANE begins to disintegrate; the NUCLEOLUS disappears; and the SPINDLE begins to form.
Prophase is the LONGEST stage of mitosis, and telophase is essentially prophase in reverse.