prophase

The first stage of mitosis, during which the chromosomes condense and become visible, the nuclear membrane breaks down, and the spindle apparatus forms at opposite poles of the cell.

The first stage of meiosis, constituted by a series of events that include the thickening and coiling of the chromosomes, synapsis of homologous chromosomes, tetrad formation, and crossing over.

In cytology, a preparatory stage in mitotic cell-division. The prophase is characterized by a more intense staining of the chromatin, the resolution of the reticulum into a skein or spireme, the breaking up of the latter into chromosomes, the appearance of the achromatic spindle, and the disappearance of the nuclear wall. The prophase is succeeded by the metaphase.

the first stage of mitosis, during which chromatin condenses to form the chromosomes

the first stage of meiosis

the first stage of mitosis

the first stage of meiosis