Which of these is the first step of mitosis?

• A. Telophase
• B. Metaphase
• C. Prophase
• D. Anaphase

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that mitosis is the process of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells from a single parent cell.
2. Recognize that mitosis consists of several stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.
3. Identify that prophase is the first stage of mitosis, where the chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes, and the mitotic spindle begins to form.
4. Note that during prophase, the nuclear envelope starts to break down, allowing the spindle fibers to interact with the chromosomes.
5. Conclude that since prophase is the initial stage of mitosis, it is the correct answer to the question about the first step of mitosis.