Mitosis is the process where a single cell divides into two identical daughter cells. It is divided into four main stages:

* Prophase: The chromosomes condense and become visible, the nuclear envelope breaks down, and the mitotic spindle begins to form.

* Metaphase: The chromosomes line up at the center of the cell, attached to the spindle fibers.

* Anaphase: The sister chromatids of each chromosome separate and move to opposite poles of the cell.

* Telophase: The chromosomes uncoil, the nuclear envelope reforms around each set of chromosomes, and the cytoplasm divides (cytokinesis), forming two separate daughter cells.

M phase also includes cytokinesis, which is the physical division of the cytoplasm.