Which phase directly follows prophase in mitosis?

Which phase directly follows prophase in mitosis?

• A. Metaphase
• B. Anaphase
• C. Telophase
• D. Cytokinesis

Answer: (A)

Prophase prepares the chromosomes and the spindle for separation, but the next phase is the one where the chromosomes really start moving as the nuclear envelope breaks down further and kinetochore microtubules attach to the chromosomes. That phase is prometaphase: kinetochores grab the spindle fibers and chromosomes begin to move toward the center of the cell. After that, metaphase occurs, with all the chromosomes lining up along the middle of the cell. So the immediate successor to prophase is prometaphase, and metaphase is the next major stage after that.

Prophase prepares the chromosomes and the spindle for separation, but the next phase is the one where the chromosomes really start moving as the nuclear envelope breaks down further and kinetochore microtubules attach to the chromosomes. That phase is prometaphase: kinetochores grab the spindle fibers and chromosomes begin to move toward the center of the cell. After that, metaphase occurs, with all the chromosomes lining up along the middle of the cell. So the immediate successor to prophase is prometaphase, and metaphase is the next major stage after that.