In a typical animal cell undergoing mitosis, which phase is generally the longest?

• A. Metaphase
• B. Prophase (including prometaphase in some descriptions)
• C. Anaphase
• D. Telophase

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall the main phases of mitosis: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. Each phase has distinct cellular events.
2. Understand that prophase involves chromosome condensation and spindle formation, which are complex processes requiring more time.
3. Recognize that metaphase is characterized by chromosomes aligning at the metaphase plate, a relatively shorter and more stable phase.
4. Note that anaphase involves the separation of sister chromatids, a rapid process compared to prophase.
5. Telophase includes the reformation of the nuclear envelope and chromosome decondensation, which also takes less time than prophase.