Mitosis is an important process that helps cells divide. It creates two new cells that are exactly like the original cell. Here are the different steps of mitosis:

1. Prophase:

   • The DNA in the cell becomes thick and forms visible structures called chromosomes.
   • Each chromosome has two identical parts called sister chromatids, which are connected in the middle by a region called the centromere.
   • The nuclear envelope, which is the outer layer of the nucleus, starts to break apart.
   • Special parts of the cell called centrosomes move to opposite sides, creating a structure called the mitotic spindle.

2. Metaphase:

   • The chromosomes line up in the middle of the cell, along an imaginary line called the metaphase plate.
   • Spindle fibers connect to the centromeres of the chromosomes.
   • This stage usually takes about 20 minutes.

3. Anaphase:

   • The sister chromatids are pulled apart by the spindle fibers and move to opposite sides of the cell.
   • The cell stretches as it gets ready to split.
   • Sometimes, mistakes happen during this stage, which can lead to problems for the new cells. About 10% of the time, errors occur here.

4. Telophase:

   • The chromatids reach the ends of the cell and begin to loosen back into a less organized form called chromatin.
   • The nuclear envelope forms again around the new sets of chromosomes.
   • The mitotic spindle breaks down.

5. Cytokinesis:

   • This step is not officially part of mitosis, but it is important because it finishes the cell division by splitting the cell's cytoplasm.
   • In animal cells, a groove called a cleavage furrow forms, and in plant cells, a new barrier called a cell plate appears.
   • In the end, this results in two new daughter cells, each containing a full set of chromosomes (46 in humans).

These steps of mitosis help keep the genetic information stable as it passes from one generation of cells to the next.