Cell division occurs in the M phase of the cell cycle.

Here's a breakdown:

* M phase is the shortest phase of the cell cycle, and it's where the cell actually divides.

* M phase consists of two main parts:

* Mitosis: The process where the nucleus divides, creating two daughter nuclei with the same genetic information.

* Cytokinesis: The process where the cytoplasm divides, ultimately creating two separate daughter cells.

While the M phase is where the division happens, the cell spends most of its time in the other phases of the cell cycle, preparing for division. These phases include:

* G1 phase: Cell growth and normal functions.

* S phase: DNA replication.

* G2 phase: Cell prepares for mitosis.

So, the M phase is the final stage, where the cell divides, but the entire cell cycle is necessary to ensure successful division.