prophase

Prophase, from the ancient Greek πρό (before) and φάσις (stage), is a stage of mitosis in which the chromatin condenses into double rod-shaped structures called chromosomes in which the chromatin becomes visible. This process, called chromatin condensation, is mediated by the condensin complex. Since the genetic material has been replicated in the prior interphase of the cell cycle, there are two identical copies of each chromosome in the cell. Those copies are called sister chromatids and they are attached to each other at a DNA element present on every chromosome called the centromere. Also during prophase, giemsa staining can be applied to elicit G-banding in chromosomes.

Also, during prophase, proceeding the condensation of the chromosomes, the tiny nucleolus found in the nucleus disappears.^[1]

An important organelle in mitosis is the centrosome, the microtubule organizing center in metazoans. During prophase, the two centrosomes, which replicate independently of mitosis, have their microtubule-activity increased due to the recruitment of γ-tubulin. The centrosomes will be pushed apart to opposite ends of the cell nucleus by the action of molecular motors acting on the microtubules.

Basically, the chromatin in the nucleus coils into chromosomes. The nucleolus disintegrates and the centrosomes move to opposite poles of the cell, forming a bridge of spindle fibers.

In prometaphase, the next step of mitosis, the nuclear membrane breaks apart and the chromosomes are captured by the microtubules.

^[2]

References

1. ^ Mader, Sylvia (2010). Biology. The McGraw Hill Companies. pp. 156. ISBN 978-0-07-352543-3. 
2. ^ "Biology of plants". 2005. pp. 58–67. ISBN 978-0-7167-1007-3. OCLC 56051064. LCCN 2004-053303. http://books.google.com/?id=8tz2aB1-jb4C&pg=PA58. 

External links

• Prophase at Online Biology Dictionary

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