What is "prophase"

1884, from German prophase (Strasburger, 1884); see pro- + phase.

n. 1 the first stage of mitosis, during which chromatin condenses to form the chromosomes 2 the first stage of meiosis

1. n. the first stage of meiosis

2. the first stage of mitosis

Prophase (from the Greek πρό, "before" and φάσις, "stage"), is a stage of mitosis in which the chromatin condenses into double rod-shaped structures called chromosomes in which the chromatin becomes visible. This process, called chromatin condensation, is involved with the condensin complex. Since the genetic material has been replicated in the prior interphase of the cell cycle, there are two identical copies of each chromosome in the cell. Those copies are called sister chromatids and they are attached to each other at a DNA element present on every chromosome called the centromere. Also during prophase, giemsa staining can be applied to elicit G-banding in chromosomes.

An important organelle in mitosis is the centrosome, the microtubule organizing center in metazoans. During prophase, the two centrosomes, which replicate independently of mitosis, have their microtubule-activity increased due to the recruitment of γ-tubulin. The centrosomes will be pushed apart to opposite ends of the cell nucleus by the action of molecular motors acting on the microtubules.

At the end of prophase, the tiny nucleolus within the nucleus dissolves. The nucleolus starts moving towards the nuclear membrane at the beginning of prophase, and its disintegration occurs near the nuclear envelope. Its contents are dispersed in masses.

Basically, the chromatin in the nucleus coils into chromosomes. The centrosomes move to opposite poles of the cell, forming a bridge of spindle fibers. At the end of prophase, the nucleolus disperses.

In prometaphase, the next step of mitosis, the nuclear membrane breaks apart and the chromosomes are captured by the microtubules which are attached to centromeres.