What is the correct order of the phases of mitosis?

The correct order of the phases of mitosis is Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, and Telophase.

During Prophase, chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes, and the nuclear envelope begins to disintegrate while the mitotic spindle starts to form. This phase sets the stage for the chromosomes to be aligned properly.

In Metaphase, the chromosomes align at the metaphase plate, equidistant from the spindle poles. This alignment is crucial as it ensures that each daughter cell will receive an identical set of chromosomes once the cell divides.

Anaphase follows, where the sister chromatids are pulled apart by the spindle fibers toward opposite poles of the cell. This phase is essential for the equal distribution of genetic material to the daughter cells.

Finally, during Telophase, the separated chromatids reach the poles, and the nuclear envelope re-forms around each set of chromosomes, leading to the decondensation of chromosomes back into chromatin. Cytokinesis usually follows this stage, completing cell division.

This sequence is foundational to understand cell division, ensuring that genetic material is duplicated and evenly distributed, which is critical in maintaining the integrity of an organism’s genetic information in somatic cell division.