The cell cycle can be divided into three main stages: interphase, mitosis, and cytokinesis. Interphase includes the G0, G1, S, and G2 stages. G0 is known as the “resting phase” where there is no dividing done and the cell has left the
cycle. G1 carries out basic cell functions. This is also where everything but DNA is replicated. The G1 stage makes sure that everything is prepared for DNA synthesis. S stands for synthesis; this is where DNA is replicated. During the G2 phase, proteins used in mitosis are synthesized and membrane materials for the daughter cells must be stored in the vesicles.
During mitosis, the cell separates its chromosomes in the nucleus into two separate identical nuclei. It distributes identical DNA to new daughter cells. Mitosis consists of four main phases: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. During prophase, the nuclear membrane called the nucleus dissolves. This is the phase where the chromatin condense to form chromosomes, so there are now two identical copies of each chromosome in the cell. Each copy is called a “sister chromatid” and are attached at a DNA section called a centromere. In metaphase, the chromosomes meet in the middle of the cell and are then separated into the two daughter cells and the DNA is equally divided from the chromosomes to the two daughter cells. During anaphasechromosomes move to opposite sides of the cell. The chromosomes split, and the spindle fibers pull the chromosomes to opposite sides of the cell. Finally, the cell moves into telophase. In telophase, two daughter nuclei form, and the nuclear envelope forms. The chromosomes turn back into the original chromatin, and this is also when cytokinesis occurs. Cytokinesis is where the cytoplasm of the cell is divided to form two separate daughter cells. Cytokinesis occurs so that the correct number of chromosomes is maintained from one generation to the next.
