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During prophase, the nucleus disappears, spindle fibers form, and DNA condenses into chromosomes (sister chromatids). During metaphase, the sister chromatids align along the equator of the cell by attaching their centromeres to the spindle fibers. During anaphase, sister chromatids are separated at the centromere and are pulled towards opposite poles of the cell by the mitotic spindle. During telophase, chromosomes arrive at opposite poles and unwind into thin strands of DNA, the spindle fibers disappear, and the nuclear membrane reappears.
Spindle fibers are a part of the spindle apparatus, which moves chromosomes during mitosis and meiosis to ensure each daughter cell gets the correct number of chromosomes. The spindle apparatus consists of spindle fibers, motor proteins, chromosomes, and in some cells, structures called asters. In animal cells, spindle fibers are produced from cylindrical microtubules called centrioles. Centrioles form asters and asters generate spindle fibers during the cell cycle. Centrioles are located in a region of the cell known as the centrosome. Spindle Fibers and Chromosome Movement