- The first stage of mitosis
- Early stages of chromosome condensation in prophase are reversible in many organisms.
- The initiation of chromosome condensation in mitosis in many cell types can be monitored by light microscopy.
- The nuclear matrix becomes progressively granulated as the chromosome condenses. Condensing nuclear material appears as discrete granular patches which finally fuse and form a ribbon-like structure (the chromosome)
- Cyclin A/CDK2 activity mediates the initiation of chromosome condensation.
- Phosphorylation of histone H3 is reported to be required for chromosome condensation.
- Hyperphosphorylation of the linker histone H1 has been observed during early prophase. However, this appears not to be required for chromosome condensation.
- Aurora B protein kinase function in chromosome condensation by phosphorylating histone H3 on serine 10.
