What is the correct sequence of the main stages of mitosis?

The correct sequence of the main stages of mitosis is Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, and Telophase.

During prophase, the chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes, and the mitotic spindle begins to form. The nuclear envelope starts to break down, allowing the spindle fibers to attach to the centromeres of the chromosomes.

In metaphase, the chromosomes align at the metaphase plate (the equatorial plane of the cell). This alignment is crucial for ensuring that each daughter cell will receive an identical set of chromosomes when they are separated.

Anaphase follows, characterized by the separation of sister chromatids as they are pulled apart toward opposite poles of the cell. This movement is facilitated by the shortening of spindle fibers.

Finally, during telophase, the separated chromatids reach the poles and begin to decondense back into chromatin. The nuclear envelope re-forms around each set of chromosomes, resulting in two nuclei in one cell before the final cell division occurs.

Each stage of mitosis is essential to ensure that genetic material is accurately and equally distributed into the daughter cells, making the proper order critical for successful cell division.