Which of these stages of mitosis is the shortest ?

Options

A. Prophase
B. Metaphase
C. Anaphase
D. Telophase

Answer

To determine which stage of mitosis is the shortest, we need to analyze each stage of mitosis and their duration in the cell cycle.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Mitosis Stages**: Mitosis consists of several stages: Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, and Telophase. Each stage has distinct characteristics and duration.

2. **Analyzing Prophase**:
- In prophase, the chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes, the nuclear membrane breaks down, and the spindle apparatus begins to form.
- Duration: Prophase is relatively long compared to other stages.

**Hint**: Prophase involves significant changes in the cell structure and takes a longer time.

3. **Analyzing Metaphase**:
- During metaphase, chromosomes align at the cell's equatorial plane (metaphase plate).
- Duration: Metaphase is also a significant phase, taking about 4% of the total cell cycle.

**Hint**: Metaphase is characterized by the alignment of chromosomes, which requires time.

4. **Analyzing Anaphase**:
- In anaphase, sister chromatids are pulled apart towards opposite poles of the cell by the spindle fibers.
- Duration: Anaphase is the shortest stage of mitosis, taking approximately 0.8% of the total cell cycle.

**Hint**: Anaphase involves rapid movement of chromatids, indicating a shorter duration.

5. **Analyzing Telophase**:
- During telophase, the chromatids reach the poles, the nuclear membrane re-forms around each set of chromosomes, and the chromosomes begin to de-condense.
- Duration: Telophase is longer than anaphase but shorter than prophase and metaphase.

**Hint**: Telophase marks the near end of mitosis but takes longer than anaphase.

6. **Conclusion**:
- Based on the analysis, the shortest stage of mitosis is **Anaphase**.

### Final Answer:
The shortest stage of mitosis is **Anaphase**.