How many phases are there in mitosis?

Mitosis is a process of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells from a single parent cell. It is traditionally divided into distinct phases that help to organize the complex events taking place during cell division. The phases of mitosis include prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.

Prophase is where chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes, and the nuclear envelope begins to break down. During metaphase, chromosomes line up at the cell's equator, and spindle fibers attach to the centromeres of the chromosomes. Anaphase follows, wherein the sister chromatids are pulled apart by the spindle fibers towards opposite poles of the cell. Finally, telophase occurs when the chromosomes reach the poles, de-condense, and the nuclear envelope reforms around each set of chromosomes.

The answer is considered correct because it accurately accounts for these four distinct phases of mitosis. The understanding of these phases is essential for grasping the overall process of cell division, which plays a vital role in growth, development, and repair in living organisms.