Which of the following is NOT a stage of mitosis?

Mitosis is a process of cell division that consists of several distinct stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. Each of these stages plays a crucial role in ensuring that the genetic material is accurately duplicated and evenly distributed to the daughter cells.

The correct answer is C, as the G1 phase is not part of mitosis. Instead, the G1 phase is part of the cell cycle, specifically during interphase, which is the period before mitosis begins. During G1, the cell grows and prepares for DNA synthesis. In contrast, prophase, metaphase, and telophase are all consecutive stages that occur during mitosis itself, focused on the actual division of the cell's nucleus and the segregation of chromosomes.