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Interphase |
The chromosomes have been copied forming linked chromatids. |
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Prophase |
Get rid of the nuclear membrane and compact the chromosomes. Define the poles of the division using the centrioles. Form spindles. |
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Metaphase |
Line up the chromosomes at the centre of the cell and attach their centromeres to the spindles. |
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Anaphase |
Pull the paired chromatids apart from each other so they travel in opposite directions to the poles of the cell. |
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Telophase |
This results in 23 homologous pairs of chromatids (chromosomes) at opposite ends of the cell. The cytoplasm is divided into two separate regions and you have two cells, where only one existed before! |
During cell division, the centrioles, which are two small structures each made up of a ring of nine microfibrils, move to define the poles of the dividing cell. The spindles, which are microtubules constructed of protein materials, cause movement of the chromatids towards the poles.