of six phases:
• Interphase: Involves extensive preparation for the division process.
• Prophase: The condensation of chromosomes; the nuclear membrane disappears; formation of the spindle apparatus; chromosomes attach to spindle fibers.
• Metaphase: Chromosomes, attached by spindle fibers. align along the mid-line of a cell.
• Anaphase: The centromere splits and chromatin move apart.
• Telophase: The nuclear membrane reforms around newly divided chromosomes.
• Cytokinesis: The division of cytoplasm, cell membranes, and organelles occur. In plants. a new cell wall forms.