What structural change occurs to chromatin at the beginning of prophase?

At the beginning of prophase, chromatin undergoes a significant structural change by coiling into distinct chromosomes. This coiling process is critical because it allows the genetic material to become more compact and organized, making it easier to separate during the later stages of cell division. As chromatin condenses into tightly packed chromosomes, each chromosome consists of two sister chromatids joined at a region called the centromere. This transformation is essential for ensuring that each daughter cell receives an accurate and complete set of chromosomes during mitosis. The organized structure of chromosomes helps prevent any tangles or breaks in the DNA, facilitating proper segregation when the cell divides.