Interphase The cell spends most of its life in this phase. The DNA in chromosomes copies itself ready for mitosis. Prophase The DNA in chromosomes and their copies condenses to become more visible.

Each nucleus now contains four chromosomes (two sets of two ... It can be seen in the stages shown above that mitosis maintains the chromosome number or complement of a cell.

Metaphase is particularly useful in cytogenetics, because chromosomes can be most easily visualized at this stage. Furthermore, cells can be experimentally arrested at metaphase with mitotic ...

In contrast, meiosis gives rise to four unique daughter cells ... to ensure that it is ready to divide. Like mitosis, meiosis also has distinct stages called prophase, metaphase, anaphase ...