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D2.1.7—Phases of mitosis

Mitosis proceeds through prophase, metaphase, anaphase and telophase, separating sister chromatids into genetically identical nuclei during cell division events accurately.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Objective
D2.1.7
Level
SL

Exam analysis

Chance of appearing18%of analysed past papers
Latest appearanceNovember 2025
Most common paperPaper2
Typical marks1–2

Common command terms

  • State
  • Identify
  • Outline
  • Describe
  • Deduce
  • Evaluate
  • Suggest
  • Label

Scoring notes

Common mistake
Confusing metaphase alignment with anaphase separation in micrographs.

Recent exam appearances

November 2025Paper1B ["SL"] · TZ34(a)[ 1 ]D2.1.7—Phases of mitosis
May 2025Paper2 ["SL"] · TZ28(a)[ 3 ]D2.1.7—Phases of mitosis
May 2025Paper2 ["SL"] · TZ37(a)[ 4 ]D2.1.7—Phases of mitosis
May 2025Paper1B ["SL"] · TZ24(a)[ 1 ]D2.1.7—Phases of mitosis
May 2025Paper1A ["SL"] · TZ111[ 1 ]D2.1.7—Phases of mitosis
Practice this objective

Coverage 2010–2025 · Updated 16 Jul 2026

Concept essentials

  • Prophase condenses chromosomes and begins nuclear-envelope breakdown.
  • Metaphase aligns chromosomes at the equator.
  • Anaphase separates sister chromatids to opposite poles.
  • Telophase reforms nuclei around separated chromosome sets.
  • Mitosis produces genetically identical nuclei by separating replicated chromatids.
ConceptIB Biology SL