<P> Microtubules involved in the interphase scaffolding break down as the replicated centrosomes separate . The movement of centrosomes to opposite poles is accompanied in animal cells by the organization of individual radial microtubule arrays (asters) by each centromere . Interpolar microtubules from both centrosomes interact, joining the sets of microtubules and forming the basic structure of the mitotic spindle . In cells without centrioles chromosomes can nucleate microtubule assembly into the mitotic apparatus . In plant cells, microtubules gather at opposite poles and begin to form the spindle apparatus at locations called foci . The mitotic spindle is of great importance in the process of mitosis and will eventually segregate the sister chromatids in metaphase . </P> <P> The nucleoli begin to break down in prophase, resulting in the discontinuation of ribosome production . This indicates a redirection of cellular energy from general cellular metabolism to cellular division . The nuclear envelope stays intact during this process . </P> <P> Meiosis involves two rounds of chromosome segregation and thus undergoes prophase twice, resulting in prophase I and prophase II . Prophase I the most complex phase in all of meiosis because homologous chromosomes must pair and exchange genetic information . Prophase II is very similar to mitotic prophase . </P> <P> Prophase I is divided into five phases: leptotene, zygotene, pachytene, diplotene, and diakinesis . In addition to the events that occur in mitotic prophase, several crucial events occur within these phases such as pairing of homologous chromosomes and the reciprocal exchange of genetic material between these homologous chromosomes . Prophase I occurs at different speeds dependent on species and sex . Many species arrest meiosis in diplotene of prophase I until ovulation . In humans, decades can pass as oocytes remain arrested in prophase I only to quickly complete meiosis I prior to ovulation . </P>

How would you state the events of prophase of mitosis