noun
- the first stage of cell division in which chromosomes become visible and the nuclear membrane begins to break down
Usage: biology
Examples
- During prophase, the chromosomes condense and become visible under a microscope.
- The nuclear envelope starts to dissolve in prophase.
- Students observed prophase in onion root tip cells during biology lab.
- Prophase is followed by metaphase in the cell division process.
- The spindle fibers begin to form during prophase.
- Chromatin condenses into distinct chromosomes during prophase.