Mitosis Coloring - Free Printable

Let’s go step by step to figure out what each number (1 through 5) represents in this diagram.

This is a picture of mitosis — the process where one cell divides into two identical daughter cells. The stages are shown in order, going clockwise from top left.

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Step 1: Look at stage 1

- The cell has a nucleus with tangled threads (chromatin).
- There’s also a pair of centrioles outside the nucleus.
- This is the starting point — before division begins.
→ This is called Interphase. But wait — actually, in many diagrams, Interphase is not counted as part of mitosis itself. However, since it’s labeled “1” and comes first, we’ll note that this is the cell preparing for division.

But let’s check the next steps to be sure.

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Step 2: Stage 2

- Chromosomes are now visible as X-shaped structures inside the nucleus.
- Centrioles have moved to opposite sides and started forming spindle fibers.
- Nuclear envelope is still there (dashed line).
→ This is Prophase — chromosomes condense, spindle forms.

Wait — actually, in some textbooks, when chromosomes are lined up in the middle, that’s Metaphase. Let’s keep going.

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Step 3: Stage 3

- Chromosomes are lined up in the middle of the cell.
- Spindle fibers attach to them.
→ This is clearly Metaphase.

So if stage 3 is Metaphase, then stage 2 must be Prophase.

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Step 4: Stage 4

- Chromosomes are being pulled apart to opposite ends.
- Each half looks like a single chromosome now (no more X shape — they’ve split).
→ This is Anaphase.

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Step 5: Stage 5

- Two separate nuclei are forming.
- Cell is pinching in the middle (cytokinesis happening).
→ This is Telophase + Cytokinesis.

Now back to stage 1:
- It shows chromatin (not condensed chromosomes), nucleolus, and centrioles duplicating.
→ This is Interphase — the phase before mitosis starts.

BUT — sometimes in simplified diagrams, they start with Prophase as #1. Let’s double-check the labels.

Looking again:

Stage 1 → Interphase
Stage 2 → Prophase
Stage 3 → Metaphase
Stage 4 → Anaphase
Stage 5 → Telophase/Cytokinesis

Yes, that matches standard biology teaching.

However — in some curricula, especially middle school or high school intro bio, they may label the phases of *mitosis only*, excluding Interphase. But here, since stage 1 is included and shows pre-mitotic state, we should include it.

Actually — looking closely at stage 1: the centrioles are duplicated but not yet moving apart. In stage 2, they’re at poles and spindle is forming. So yes — stage 1 is Interphase.

But wait — let me confirm with common labeling:

Standard mitosis phases:
1. Prophase
2. Metaphase
3. Anaphase
4. Telophase

Cytokinesis overlaps with telophase.

Interphase is BEFORE mitosis.

In this diagram, stage 1 is Interphase, stage 2 is Prophase, etc.

But perhaps the question expects the names of the mitotic phases only? Let’s see how many blanks there are — five blanks, and five stages shown.

Another clue: in stage 1, the chromosomes are not yet visible as distinct X’s — they’re tangled. That’s Interphase.

In stage 2, chromosomes are visible and condensing — Prophase.

Stage 3: aligned at equator — Metaphase.

Stage 4: separating — Anaphase.

Stage 5: two cells forming — Telophase/Cytokinesis.

So final mapping:

1 = Interphase
2 = Prophase
3 = Metaphase
4 = Anaphase
5 = Telophase (and Cytokinesis)

But — in some contexts, especially if the worksheet says “phases of mitosis”, they might skip Interphase. However, since it’s drawn and labeled as #1, we should name it.

Alternatively, maybe stage 1 is early Prophase? No — because in Prophase, chromosomes start condensing, which isn’t really happening yet in stage 1.

I think safest answer based on standard biology:

1. Interphase
2. Prophase
3. Metaphase
4. Anaphase
5. Telophase

Some might say “Cytokinesis” for 5, but Telophase includes nuclear reformation, and cytokinesis is cytoplasmic division — often grouped together.

Given that, I’ll go with:

Final Answer:
1. Interphase
2. Prophase
3. Metaphase
4. Anaphase
5. Telophase