Mitosis Diagram (Stages Labeled)
The 6 stages of mitosis, labelled, showing what happens to the chromosomes at each one.
What happens in each stage
- Interphase — the cell grows and copies its DNA; each chromosome becomes two identical sister chromatids.
- Prophase — chromosomes coil up and become visible, the nuclear envelope breaks down.
- Metaphase — spindle fibres line every chromosome up across the middle of the cell.
- Anaphase — the spindle fibres pull the sister chromatids apart to opposite poles.
- Telophase — a new nuclear envelope forms around each set of chromosomes.
- Cytokinesis — the cytoplasm divides into two separate daughter cells.
Why mitosis matters
Mitosis is how a body grows, replaces worn-out cells and repairs damage. Because every daughter cell gets an exact copy of the parent's DNA, mitosis keeps the chromosome number constant generation after generation — unlike meiosis, which halves it to make sex cells.
See every stage play out in 3D, with crossing over and independent assortment compared side by side, in the Cell Division tool.
Frequently asked questions
What are the stages of mitosis in order?
Interphase, prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase, then cytokinesis. A common way to remember the middle four is the acronym PMAT.
What happens to chromosomes during mitosis?
They are copied in interphase (each becomes two sister chromatids), line up across the middle in metaphase, then the sister chromatids are pulled apart in anaphase so each new cell gets one full copy.
Is interphase part of mitosis?
Not technically — interphase is the preparation stage where DNA is copied, before mitosis itself (prophase through cytokinesis) begins. It is usually shown alongside mitosis because the DNA copying it does is essential to it.
What is the result of mitosis?
Two daughter cells, each diploid (same chromosome number as the parent) and genetically identical to it and to each other.
