Meaning & use
prophase
Last updated
Meaning
noununcountablebiology
The first stage of cell division, when chromosomes become visible and the nuclear membrane starts to break down.
Grammar: Usually uncountable; used without 'a' or 'the' in general statements.
Patterns
- in prophase
- during prophase
- early prophase
During prophase, the chromosomes condense and become visible under a microscope.
Prophase is followed by metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.
The nuclear envelope begins to disappear in prophase.
Common combinations
- early prophase
- In early prophase, the chromosomes are still somewhat extended.
- late prophase
- By late prophase, the nuclear envelope has mostly broken down.
- during prophase
- Spindle fibers begin to form during prophase.
Word family
Commonly confused: prophase or prophase I?
prophase vs prophase I
In meiosis, prophase I is the first stage of the first division; it is more complex than prophase in mitosis.
Practice
Which of these events happens during prophase?
Choose one answer.
Prophase is the first stage, when chromosomes condense. Lining up occurs in metaphase, separation in anaphase, and division in telophase.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “prophase”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.