What describes the process of prophase in cell division?

During prophase, which is the first stage of mitosis in cell division, the key event is the condensation of chromatin into visible chromosomes. Each chromosome consists of two sister chromatids that are held together at a region called the centromere. This process facilitates the pairing of homologous chromosomes, which occurs during meiosis, but in mitosis, the emphasis is on the preparation of the genetic material for separation in subsequent phases.

While chromatids separating occurs in anaphase, and the physical separation of cells happens later during cytokinesis, prophase primarily involves the initial organization and structuring of chromosomes, setting the stage for accurate distribution during cell division. DNA duplication occurs earlier in the cell cycle, specifically during S phase. Thus, the definition of prophase aligns with the correct answer, highlighting the role of chromosomes pairing up as a crucial preparatory step before they are divided among daughter cells.