๐Ÿงฌap biology review

Prophase

Written by the Fiveable Content Team โ€ข Last updated August 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโ€ขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โ€ข Last updated August 2025

Definition

Prophase is the first stage of mitosis during which chromosomes condense and become visible under light microscopy; spindle fibers form and the nuclear envelope breaks down.

AP course connection

Topic 4.6: 4.6 Regulation of the Cell Cycle

Unit 4
2,589 studying โ†’