human
Can you give me a detailed explanation of the phases of mitosis?
assistant
Mitosis is the process by which a cell reproduces itself. It is a crucial process for all organisms, allowing new cells to be produced that can replace old or damaged cells in the body. The process of mitosis consists of several distinct phases: Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, and Telophase. 2 Prophase is the first phase of mitosis. During prophase, the chromosomes in the nucleus condense and become visible. The spindle fibers form and the nuclear membrane breaks down. 3 Metaphase is the second phase of mitosis. During metaphase, the chromosomes line up in the middle of the cell in preparation for separation.4 Anaphase is the third phase of mitosis. During anaphase, the spindle fibers pull the sister chromatids apart, releasing them from one another and separating them into two distinct sets of chromosomes.5 Telophase is the fourth and final phase of mitosis. During telophase, the cytoplasm divides into two completely separate cells. The nuclear membrane reforms around each set of chromosomes and cell division is complete.