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Multiple Choice
What is the first stage of mitosis?
A
Telophase
B
Prophase
C
Metaphase
D
Anaphase
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that mitosis is the process of cell division where a single cell divides into two identical daughter cells. It consists of several stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.
Recall that the first stage of mitosis is prophase. During prophase, the chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes, and the nuclear envelope begins to break down.
Learn that in prophase, the spindle fibers start to form, and the centrosomes move to opposite poles of the cell, preparing for chromosome alignment.
Differentiate prophase from other stages of mitosis: metaphase involves chromosome alignment at the cell's equatorial plane, anaphase involves the separation of sister chromatids, and telophase involves the reformation of the nuclear envelope.
Conclude that the correct answer to the question is prophase, as it is the first stage of mitosis where the preparatory steps for chromosome segregation occur.