Mitosis Step-by-Step: An Easy Animation Guide

We begin in interphase, specifically G2 phase, where DNA has already been replicated.The centrosomes have duplicated and begin moving to opposite poles of the cell.As the cell enters prophase, the chromatin begins to condense into distinct chromosomes.The nuclear membrane begins to break down as spindle fibers form.Each chromosome consists of two identical sister chromatids, joined at a point called the centromere.As we continue through mitosis, the chromosomes begin to interact with the spindle fibers.The spindle fibers extend from the centrosomes and attach to special regions on the chromosomes called kinetochores.The chromosomes are gradually pulled toward the cell's equator, forming what's called the metaphase plate.At this point, opposing forces from the spindle fibers create tension that holds each chromosome in perfect alignment.This precise alignment ensures that when the cell divides, each daughter cell will receive exactly one copy of each chromosome.As anaphase begins, the proteins holding sister chromatids together are cleaved.The sister chromatids are pulled apart by the shortening spindle fibers, moving toward opposite poles of the cell.In animal cells, cytokinesis begins as the cell membrane starts to pinch inward, forming what's called the cleavage furrow.As the cell continues to divide, nuclear membranes begin to reform around the separated chromosomes.Finally, cytokinesis completes as the cells fully separate, resulting in two identical daughter cells, each with its own complete set of chromosomes.