The end result of mitosis is two identical daughter cells. These daughter cells are also identical to the parent cell. Mitosis is essential for growth and repair in living organisms.
Mitosis occurs in four phases: prophase, metaphase, anaphase and telophase. During prophase, chromatin condenses into chromosomes, and the nuclear envelope breaks down. Spindles form at the parent cell's opposite poles. In metaphase, the chromosomes line up along the metaphase plate. This helps ensure each daughter cell gets a full set of chromosomes. During anaphase, the chromosomes pair up to form sister chromatids, which move to opposite ends of the cell. Finally, the chromosomes form new nuclei for the daughter cells during telophase.
