Prophase is the first phase of mitosis, the process that separates the duplicated genetic

material carried in the nucleus of a parent cell into two identical daughter cells. During prophase,
the complex of DNA and proteins contained in the nucleus, known as chromatin, condenses.

Anaphase is the fourth phase of mitosis, the process that separates the duplicated genetic
material carried in the nucleus of a parent cell into two identical daughter cells.

Metaphase is the third phase of mitosis, the process that separates duplicated genetic material
carried in the nucleus of a parent cell into two identical daughter cells. Duringmetaphase, the
cell's chromosomes align themselves in the middle of the cell through a type of cellular "tug of
war."

Telophase is technically the final stage of mitosis. Its name derives from the latin word telos
which means end. During this phase, the sister chromatids reach opposite poles. The small
nuclear vesicles in the cell begin to re-form around the group of chromosomes at each end.