Cell Cycle And Cell Division

Answer (a) Phragmoplast

In meiosis, synapsis occurs during prophase

Answer (a) Prophase-I

Step 1: Overview of the stages of mitosis.
Mitosis is the process by which a eukaryotic cell divides to form two identical daughter cells. The stages of mitosis include: - Prophase: Chromosomes condense and become visible, and the nuclear membrane begins to dissolve. - Metaphase: Chromosomes align at the metaphase plate. - Anaphase: Chromatids (now chromosomes) are pulled apart toward opposite poles. - Telophase: Chromosomes reach the poles and begin to de-condense, and the nuclear envelope reforms.
Step 2: Identifying the shortest stage.
The shortest stage in mitosis is metaphase, where chromosomes align at the center of the cell. This stage takes only a few minutes. In contrast, prophase and telophase are longer, while anaphase is also relatively brief, but metapahse is still the shortest.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Thus, the shortest stage of mitosis, lasting only a few minutes, is (2) Metaphase.