1. Interphase: This is the longest phase of the cell cycle and is divided into three stages:
- G1 (Gap 1) phase: During this phase, the cell grows in size and accumulates nutrients and energy in preparation for DNA synthesis.
- S (Synthesis) phase: DNA replication occurs during this phase, resulting in the replication of chromosomes.
- G2 (Gap 2) phase: This phase is a period of further cell growth and preparation for cell division.
2. Prophase: This is the first stage of mitosis, which is the process of cell division. During prophase, chromosomes condense and become visible, and the nuclear envelope breaks down.
3. Metaphase: In this stage, the chromosomes line up at the equator of the cell.
4. Anaphase: During anaphase, sister chromatids separate and move to opposite poles of the cell.
5. Telophase: This is the final stage of mitosis, during which two new nuclear envelopes form around the separated chromosomes and the spindle fibers disappear. The cell membrane then pinches in the middle, dividing the cell into two identical daughter cells.
Cytokinesis, which is the division of the cytoplasm, typically occurs concurrently with telophase in animal cells or follows the completion of mitosis in plant cells.
