Correct order of stages of the cell during mitosis is?

Appeared in: ISRO- 2016

Explanation

The correct sequence of the four main stages of mitosis is Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, and Telophase.
This specific order ensures that the replicated chromosomes are first condensed and organized, then aligned, separated, and finally enclosed in new nuclei.
A common mnemonic to remember this order is PMAT: Please Make Another Two.
Prophase involves chromosome condensation and nuclear envelope breakdown.
Metaphase is characterized by the alignment of chromosomes at the cell's equator (metaphase plate).
Anaphase is the stage where sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles.

Option A: This option incorrectly places Telophase, the final stage, immediately after Prophase, the first stage. Metaphase and Anaphase must occur before Telophase.
Option B: This option presents the stages almost in reverse order. Mitosis begins with Prophase, not Telophase.
Option C: This option incorrectly places Metaphase before Prophase. Prophase must occur first to condense the chromosomes before they can align in metaphase.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Sequence of stages in mitosis as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding mitosis is fundamental to concepts of tissue growth, repair, and regeneration. For example, skin healing after a wound relies on the mitotic division of skin cells.
Uncontrolled mitosis is the hallmark of cancer. Cancer cells divide relentlessly, ignoring the normal checkpoints that regulate the cell cycle.
Many chemotherapy drugs, such as vinca alkaloids (e.g., vinblastine) and taxanes (e.g., paclitaxel), specifically target the mitotic process. They disrupt the formation or function of the mitotic spindle, arresting cancer cells in mitosis and leading to cell death.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question testing knowledge of a fundamental biological process.
First, identify the core concept from the stem: the 'stages of the cell during mitosis'.
The question asks for the 'correct order'.
Recall the standard mnemonic for the stages of mitosis: PMAT.
Expand the mnemonic: P = Prophase, M = Metaphase, A = Anaphase, T = Telophase.
Systematically compare this correct sequence (Prophase-Metaphase-Anaphase-Telophase) with each of the given options.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QMULJNHay7r1QhOO44zP9N

E6 Physiology Guyton 4SAE Part 1 p. 66-68

E6 Pathology-Textbook of PATHOLOGYHarsh Mohan Part 1 (1-214) p. 49-51

E6 Anatomy Grays 43e Vol 1 Part 1 p. 47-49

Practise the full ISRO- 2016

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.