What happens during the process of mitosis?

During mitosis, the key event is the division of the nucleus, resulting in the formation of two identical nuclei. This process ensures that each daughter cell receives an identical set of chromosomes, maintaining genetic consistency. Mitosis involves several phases: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase, each contributing to the orderly separation of duplicated chromosomes.

In prophase, chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes, and the nuclear membrane begins to break down. During metaphase, chromosomes align at the cell's equatorial plane. Anaphase follows, where sister chromatids are pulled apart towards opposite poles of the cell, and finally, during telophase, the nuclear membrane reforms around each set of chromosomes, leading to the creation of two nuclei.

While other cellular processes, such as cytokinesis (the division of the cytoplasm), may occur following mitosis, the specific focus during mitosis itself is on the division of the nucleus. This is critical for the proper distribution of genetic material during cell division.