The three major events of prophase are the condensation of chromosomes, disappearance of the nucleolus and nuclear membrane, and the formation of the spindle apparatus. It occurs in cells that have undergone interphase. Prophase is the initial stage of nuclear division. ImportanceДЄbove all, the main difference between prophase and metaphase is that the condensed chromosomes are observable under the microscope during prophase while the proper line up of chromosomes in the equatorial plate during metaphase ensures the equal separation of them to the opposite poles of the cell. Condensation of chromosomes, disappearance of the nucleolus and nuclear membrane, and formation of mitotic spindle are the major events of prophase while the alignment of the condensed chromosomes in the equatorial plate is the major event of metaphase. Moreover, an important difference between prophase and metaphase is the events that take place during each process. ConsequenceДЄnother difference between prophase and metaphase is that prophase follows interphase and it is the first stage of the nuclear division while metaphase is the second stage of nuclear division, following prophase. Thus, this is the fundamental difference between prophase and metaphase. Metaphase, on the other hand, refers to the second stage of cell division, between prophase and anaphase, during which the chromosomes become attached to the spindle fibers. Prophase refers to the initial stage of mitosis and of the mitotic division of meiosis characterized by the condensation of chromosomes consisting of two chromatids, disappearance of the nucleolus and nuclear membrane, and formation of the mitotic spindle. Besides, spindle apparatus play a key role in moving chromosomes in both stages.Дifference Between Prophase and Metaphase Definition.Furthermore, chromosomes occur in the condensed form during both stages.Here, meiosis undergoes two prophase and metaphase events separately. Also, both occur during mitosis and meiosis.They are responsible for preparing chromosomes for the division.

Prophase and metaphase are the two initial stages of the nuclear division.Similarities Between Prophase and Metaphase However, during the metaphase II of meiosis II, individual chromosomes align along the equatorial plate as homologous pairs have been separated during meiosis I. Here, the major event of metaphase of mitosis and metaphase I of meiosis I is the alignment of homologous chromosomes along the equatorial plate of the cell defined by the spindle apparatus. It is important to note that meiosis undergoes two metaphase events known as metaphase I and metaphase II. Metaphase is the second stage of nuclear division, following prophase in both mitosis and meiosis.

Also, the migration of centrioles to the opposite poles of the cell remarks the formation of the spindle apparatus. Additionally, the disappearance of nucleus frees the chromosomes.

Here, the condensed chromosomes can be observed under the microscope during prophase. (Condensed Chromosomes вЂ“ Red, Nuclear Envelope вЂ“ blue, Microtubules- Green)ДЇurthermore, the three major events of prophase are the condensation of chromosomes, disappearance of the nucleolus and nuclear membrane, and the formation of the spindle apparatus. However, prophase II of meiosis II just follows cytokinesis that occurs after meiosis I.ДЇigure 1: Two Mouse Cell Nuclei in Prophase Then, the cell enters the G 2 phase, which directly precedes nuclear division. When it enters the S phase, DNA replicates in the chromosomes, forming sister chromatids. Usually, a cell in the G 1 phase undergoes protein synthesis and normal growth. Generally, the three stages of interphase are the G 1, S, and G 2 phases. Here, the prophase of mitosis and prophase I of meiosis I follow the interphase, which is a stage of cell cycle. The two prophase stages of meiosis I and meiosis II are known as prophase I and prophase II. вЂ“ Comparison of Key Differences Key TermsД¬ell Division, Chromosomes, Interphase, Metaphase, Metaphase 1 and 2, Nuclear Division, Prophase, Prophase 1 and 2, Spindle Apparatus What is the Difference Between Prophase and Metaphase What are the Similarities Between Prophase and MetaphaseД¤. Prophase and metaphase are the two of the initial stages of the nuclear division responsible for preparing chromosomes for the division. Furthermore, prophase is the first stage of nuclear division, following interphase while metaphase is the second stage of nuclear division, following prophase. The main difference between prophase and metaphase is that chromosomes condense during prophase whereas homologous chromosome pairs align in the equatorial plate of the cell during metaphase.

Interphase vs prophase