Cell Life Cycle

Interphase

• G1 + S + G2

• Where cells spend most of their time

• Cell grows

• Cell carries on metabolic processes

M phase

• Mitosis + Cytokinesis

• Cell replicates itself

• Function is to produce more cells for growth and repair processes

Mitosis

• Division of the nucleus

• Consists of four stages

• Part of the M phase

Cytokinesis

• Division of cytoplasm

• Starts at the end of anaphase and concludes after telophase/ when mitosis is near completion

• Results in the formation of two daughter cells

• Part of the M phase

Prophase

• First part of cell division

• Centrioles migrate to the poles to direct assembly of mitotic spindle fibers

• DNA appears as double-stranded chromosomes

• Nuclear envelope breaks down and disappears

Metaphase

• Chromosomes are aligned in the center of the cell on the metaphase plate

Anaphase

• Chromosomes are pulled apart and toward the opposite ends of the cell

• Cell begins to elongate

• Cytokinesis begins nearing the end of this phase

Telophase

• Chromosomes uncoil to become chromatin

• Nuclear envelope reforms around chromatin 

• Spindles break down and disappear

• Cytokinesis concludes with the ending of this phase