Answer:
I'll describe the appearance of a eukaryotic chromosome during interphase, each stage of mitosis (prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase), and cytokinesis. I'll also include the nuclear envelope and microtubules associated with the chromosomes.
During Interphase:
Interphase is divided into three subphases: G1 (Gap 1), S (Synthesis), and G2 (Gap 2).
The chromosomes appear as loosely packed chromatin within the nucleus.
The nuclear envelope is intact, surrounding the nucleus.
Microtubules may be present within the cytoplasm, but they are not directly attached to the chromosomes.
During Prophase:
The chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes.
The nuclear envelope starts to disintegrate.
Microtubules called spindle fibers begin to form and extend from the centrosomes towards the chromosomes.
The chromosomes become more visible as distinct structures.
During Metaphase:
The chromosomes align at the center of the cell, forming the metaphase plate.
The nuclear envelope is completely disintegrated.
The spindle fibers are fully formed and attached to the chromosomes at specific points called kinetochores.
Microtubules extend from the centrosomes and connect to the kinetochores of each chromosome, creating a mitotic spindle.
During Anaphase:
The sister chromatids of each chromosome separate and are pulled toward opposite poles of the cell.
The microtubules attached to the kinetochores shorten, pulling the chromatids apart.
The cell elongates as the microtubules push against each other, aiding in chromosome separation.
During Telophase:
The separated chromatids reach the opposite poles of the cell.
The nuclear envelope reforms around each set of chromosomes, creating two new nuclei.
The chromosomes begin to decondense back into chromatin.
Microtubules start to disassemble, and the mitotic spindle disappears.
During Cytokinesis:
Cytokinesis involves the physical division of the cytoplasm to form two daughter cells.
A cleavage furrow forms in animal cells, or a cell plate forms in plant cells.
The chromosomes are completely decondensed and appear as loosely packed chromatin within the nuclei of each daughter cell.
Microtubules are not directly associated with the chromosomes during cytokinesis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Please note that while I can describe the appearance of the chromosomes, the actual visualization may vary depending on the specific organism and cell type.