1. Prophase: At prophase, the duplicated chromosomes, each consisting of two closely associated sister chromatids, condense. Outside the nucleus, the mitotic spindle assembles between the two centrosomes, which have begun to move apart.

2. Prometaphase: Prometaphase starts abruptly with the breakdown of the nuclear envelope. Chromosomes can now attach to spindle microtubules via their kinetochores and undergo active movement.

3. Metaphase: At metaphase, the chromosomes are aligned at the equator of the spindle, midway between the spindle poles. The kinetochore microtubules on each sister chromatid attach to opposite poles of the spindle.

4. Anaphase: At anaphase, the sister chromatids synchronously separate and are pulled slowly toward the spindle pole to which they are attached. The kinetochore microtubules get shorter, and the spindle poles also move apart, both contributing to chromosome segregation. 5. Telophase: During telophase, the two sets of chromosomes arrive at the poles of the spindle. A new nuclear envelope reassembles around each set, completing the formation of two nuclei and marking the end of mitosis. The division of the cytoplasm begins with the assembly of the contractile ring.