In a typical animal cell, which sequence correctly describes the order of major events during mitosis followed by cytokinesis?

• A. Prophase → metaphase → anaphase → telophase → cytokinesis
• B. Prophase → metaphase → telophase → anaphase → cytokinesis
• C. Prophase → anaphase → metaphase → telophase → cytokinesis
• D. Metaphase → prophase → anaphase → telophase → cytokinesis

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand that mitosis is the process of nuclear division in eukaryotic cells, and it is divided into distinct phases: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.
2. Step 2: Recall the order of these phases: during prophase, chromosomes condense and the mitotic spindle begins to form; in metaphase, chromosomes align at the cell's equatorial plate; in anaphase, sister chromatids separate and move toward opposite poles; and in telophase, nuclear envelopes reform around the separated chromatids.
3. Step 3: Recognize that cytokinesis is the final step following mitosis, where the cytoplasm divides, resulting in two separate daughter cells.
4. Step 4: Combine this knowledge to establish the correct sequence of events: Prophase → Metaphase → Anaphase → Telophase → Cytokinesis.
5. Step 5: Use this sequence to evaluate the given options and identify the one that matches the correct order of mitosis followed by cytokinesis.