Steps of Cell Division: Mitosis Prophase The cell’s chromatin tightens and coils forming chromosomes that are attached at the centromere (middle region) Nucleus breaks down Whole new structure called the spindle apparatus forms to separate the DNA. It includes asters, centrioles, and spindle fibers(microtubules)

Steps of Cell Division: Mitosis Metaphase: the chromosomes line up at the midline of the cell. Anaphase: the chromatids separate, and daughter chromosomes move toward the poles.

Steps of Cell Division: Mitosis Telophase: nuclear envelopes form around each set of chromosomes nucleoli appear, and the spindle breaks down chromosomes become less compact(start to uncoil).

Steps of Cell Division: Cytokinesis In animal cells, the cell membrane pinches in between the nuclei. A contractile ring of protein threads (microfilaments) forms on the inner surface of the cell membrane; the two proteins produce a contraction to pinch the cell in two. This creates what we call a cleavage furrow.

Steps of Cell Division: Cytokinesis In plant cells, vesicles from the Golgi apparatus appear along the plane of cell division. The vesicles fuse to form a new cell membrane. Contents of vesicles also contribute to forming the cell plate—the beginning of the new cell wall.