Which of the phases of mitosis is the longest ?

Options

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

Answer

To determine which phase of mitosis is the longest, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand Mitosis
Mitosis is a type of cell division that results in two daughter cells with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell. It is often referred to as equational division because there is no reduction in chromosome number.

### Step 2: Identify the Phases of Mitosis
Mitosis is divided into four main phases:
1. Prophase
2. Metaphase
3. Anaphase
4. Telophase

### Step 3: Analyze Each Phase
- **Prophase**: This is the first stage of mitosis where chromatin condenses into distinct chromosomes, and the mitotic spindle begins to form. This phase is characterized by significant cellular changes.
- **Metaphase**: In this phase, chromosomes align at the cell's equatorial plane, and the spindle fibers attach to the centromeres of the chromosomes.
- **Anaphase**: During anaphase, sister chromatids are pulled apart toward opposite poles of the cell.
- **Telophase**: This is the final stage where the chromosomes reach the poles and begin to de-condense, and the nuclear envelope re-forms around each set of chromosomes.

### Step 4: Determine the Longest Phase
Among these phases, **Prophase** is the longest phase of mitosis. This is due to the extensive processes that occur, such as the condensation of chromatin into chromosomes and the formation of the mitotic spindle.

### Conclusion
The longest phase of mitosis is **Prophase**.

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