... sufficient DNA for the two daughter cells. The cell then builds up its store of energy in preparation for the cell division. Mitosis starts with Prophase, where the chromosomes condense becoming more tightly coiled and folded and so appear more shorter and fatter as Prophase progresses. As soon as the chromosomes begin to condense, the DNA becomes inactive. The condensation of the chromosomes into separate structures enables them to be moved easily. During Interphase they are diffuse and would become entangled if they were moved about the nucleus. In the later stages of Prophase, pairs of sister chromatids can be seen. These chromatids are attached at a point called the centromere. The nucleoli disappear, the nuclear membrane breaks down and a spindle apparatus is formed. The spindle apparatus is made up of microtubules which control the movements of the chromosomes. The second stage of Mitosis is called Metaphase. During this stage the ...

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