Which nuclear change indicates cells undergoing active cell division?

The presence of mitosis indicates that cells are undergoing active division. Mitosis is the process by which a single cell divides to produce two genetically identical daughter cells. It is characterized by a series of stages—prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase—during which the nuclear material is organized and separated, leading to the distribution of chromosomes into the daughter cells.

In the context of cell division, mitosis is essential for growth, tissue repair, and reproduction in multicellular organisms. Observing a cell in mitosis through cytological examination provides direct evidence of active cell division. Other nuclear changes, such as pyknosis, karyolysis, and karyorrhexis, may indicate processes like cell death or degeneration rather than active proliferation.

Understanding mitosis and its stages is crucial for identifying cellular activity and health within tissue samples, making it a key concept in cytology.