Prometaphase is the second phase of mitosis, a crucial process in cell division.
Mitosis is the process that separates the duplicated genetic material carried in the nucleus of a parent cell into two identical daughter cells. Prometaphase is a key part of this process.
Key Events During Prometaphase
During prometaphase, several important events occur:
- Nuclear Envelope Breakdown: The physical barrier enclosing the nucleus, the nuclear envelope, breaks down. This allows the chromosomes to be accessed by the mitotic spindle.
Prometaphase in the Cell Cycle
To understand prometaphase better, consider its place within the broader cell cycle and mitosis:
| Phase of Mitosis | Description |
|---|---|
| Prophase | Chromosomes condense, and the mitotic spindle begins to form. |
| Prometaphase | The nuclear envelope breaks down, and spindle microtubules attach to chromosomes. |
| Metaphase | Chromosomes align along the metaphase plate. |
| Anaphase | Sister chromatids separate and move to opposite poles. |
| Telophase | Chromosomes arrive at the poles, and the nuclear envelope reforms. |
