prophase
noun
- The cell cycle phase which is the first stage of M phase of meiosis and mitosis and during which chromosomes condense and the two daughter centrioles and their asters migrate toward the poles of the cell.
Wiktionary
noun
Etymology: Etymology tree English pro- English phase English prophase From pro- + phase.
- The first stage of mitosis, during which chromatin condenses to form the chromosomes.
- The first stage of meiosis.