prophase

Introduction

The 1st phase of mitosis or meiosis.

In mitosis, there is a contraction & increase in thickness of the chromosomes (each consists of 2 chromatids). The 2 daughter centrioles migrate towards the poles of the cell.

In meiosis, prophase is more complex. Stages of prophase in meiois include:

• preleptonene
• leptonene
• zygotene
• pachytene
• diplotene
• diakinesis

More general terms

• mitosis