During interphase the cell grows and duplicates its chromosomes in preparation for mitosis. Specifically, cell growth begins in G₂ phase of interphase and chromosomal duplication (DNA replication) occurs in S phase. The cell continues to grow in G₂ phase, and proofreads the DNA that was just replicated in S phase to make sure there are no errors, preventing mutations from being passed to daughter cells.  

Kinetochore fibers allow the microtubules from the spindle apparatus to attach to the chromatids. Kinetochores are formed in prometaphase. These will help move the chromosomes in preparation for metaphase, when the chromosomes will need to be lined up on the metaphase plate. 

The plane along which the chromosomes align is called the metaphase plate and this event occurs during metaphase. At this point, the sister chromatids are ready to be pulled apart during anaphase. Ultimately, the products of mitosis are two identical (since sister chromatids are identical) diploid daughter cells. 

Once the soon-to-be daughter DNA has reached opposite poles of the cell, new nuclear envelopes form around them during telophase. Also, in telophase, the spindle apparatus breaks down and the DNA begins to condense. Remember that telophase is essentially the opposite of prophase.  

The cleavage furrow is the start of physical cell splitting, occurs during telophase, and is called cytokinesis. The cleavage furrow is mediated by motor proteins such as actin and myosin. They tighten a "ring" around the cell until it pinches off into two daughter cells. Note that plant cells also exhibit cytokinesis, but they do so without the formation of a cleavage furrow. Rather, they form a cell plate, which is made of the same material as their cell wall, cellulose.

Separation of the sister chromatids by the microtubules pulling them to opposite poles occurs in anaphase. Also, during late anaphase, cytokinesis begins. This is the process of the cell dividing, since the nucleus has already divided (karyokinesis).

All these events occur in prophase, the first stage of mitosis. Metaphase involves the duplicated chromosomes being aligned along the metaphase plate, with each pair of sister chromatids attached to spindle fibers. During anaphase, the sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles of the cell. Telophase is essentially the opposite of prophase: the DNA decondenses, the nuclear envelope begins to reform, and the mitotic spindle begins to disappear.   

At metaphase the spindle microtubules that are attached to the kinetochores of the chromosomes move them to the metaphase plate, an imaginary structure at the midway point between the two poles of the cell.

Prophase is the first phase of mitosis in which chromatin coils and forms chromosomes, the spindle apparatus begins to form, and the nuclear membrane breaks down. The second, third, and fourth phases are metaphase, anaphase, and telophase, respectively.

Metaphase is the second phase of mitosis in which spindle fibers move the chromosomes to the center of the cell where they are aligned. Prophase is the first phase of mitosis, anaphase is the third phase, and telophase is the fourth and final phase.