prophase: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “prophase” mean?
The first stage of cell division (mitosis or meiosis), during which chromosomes condense and become visible, the nuclear envelope breaks down, and the mitotic spindle begins to form.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The first stage of cell division (mitosis or meiosis), during which chromosomes condense and become visible, the nuclear envelope breaks down, and the mitotic spindle begins to form.
In a broader conceptual sense, can metaphorically refer to the initial preparatory stage of any complex process.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical. Pronunciation may differ slightly (see IPA).
Connotations
None beyond the technical definition.
Frequency
Exclusively used in biological/medical contexts in both varieties, with equal frequency in those contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “prophase” in a Sentence
[Subject: cell/nucleus] enters prophase[Prepositional phrase] during/in prophasethe prophase of [noun: mitosis/meiosis]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Exclusively used in biology, genetics, and medicine textbooks and research papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used. Would be unfamiliar to non-specialists.
Technical
Core, precise term in cell biology. Used in lab reports, scientific descriptions, and lectures.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “prophase”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “prophase”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “prophase”
- Using 'prophase' to mean any beginning phase (e.g., 'the prophase of the project').
- Pronouncing it /prəˈfeɪz/ (wrong stress).
- Confusing it with 'prophecy' or 'profound' due to similar spelling.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a strictly technical term from cell biology. Using it metaphorically (e.g., 'the prophase of the negotiations') would be highly unusual and incorrect in standard usage.
In mitosis, prophase is followed by metaphase. In meiosis, prophase I is a prolonged stage followed by metaphase I.
Yes. Meiotic prophase I is far more complex and lengthy, involving sub-stages (leptotene, zygotene, pachytene, diplotene, diakinesis) where homologous chromosomes pair and exchange genetic material through crossing over.
Its breakdown during late prophase allows the spindle fibres, forming from the centrosomes, to access the chromosomes and attach to their kinetochores, which is essential for subsequent stages.
The first stage of cell division (mitosis or meiosis), during which chromosomes condense and become visible, the nuclear envelope breaks down, and the mitotic spindle begins to form.
Prophase is usually technical/scientific in register.
Prophase: in British English it is pronounced /ˈprəʊfeɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈproʊfeɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
PROPHASE comes first – PRO = forward/beginning, PHASE = stage. It's the 'pro' (first) phase of cell division.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROPHASE IS THE SETUP STAGE: Like setting up a stage before a play, in prophase, the cell 'sets up' the chromosomes and machinery needed for division.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary cellular event that marks the beginning of prophase?