uncoiled and therefore cannot be seen. DNA replication takes place during interphase. Prophase The chromosomes start to coil, the spindle starts to form. Chromosomes become visible, each longitudinally divided into identical chromatids held together at the centromeres. The nuclear envelope breaks down and nucleolus disappears. Chromosomes continue to coil and become shorter and thicker Metaphase
Chromosomes align at the
equator of the spindle. They are attached to the spindle by their centromeres. The two chromatids of each chromosome separate and go to opposite poles. Anaphase
Chromatids move towards
the poles, the centromeres lead the way. The cleavage furrow begins to form as the cell starts to divide in two. Telophase Chromosome movement complete. Cleavage completed the chromosomes uncoil; nuclear envelope and nucleoli reappear Ô