Notes

During interphase, the cell grows and matures. Interphase is divided into three stages: G1, S and G2. G1 is characterized by cell growth and development. During the S stage, the DNA contained in the cell's chromatin is duplicated. G2 is characterized by the synthesis of organelles. (Interphase)

This is the first phase of mitosis. In the early prophase, the nucleus disappears and chromatin condenses to form visible chromosomes. Each chromosome consists of two chromatids connected by a centromere. Outside the nucleus, spindle fibres form between the centrioles, which migrate to opposite ends of the cell. At the end of the prophase, the nuclear membrane dissolves away. (prophase)

This is the second phase of mitosis. The centromeres of each chromosome are attached to spindle fibres. The spindle fibres change in length, pulling the chromosomes into a line along the equator of the cell. (Metaphase)

This is the third phase of mitosis. The centromeres split, and the sister chromatids are pulled to the opposite poles of the cell by the spindle fibres. This phase ends when the chromatids, now called daughter chromosomes, reach the poles and stop moving. (Anaphase)

This is the fourth and final phase of mitosis. During this phase, a nuclear membrane forms around each set of daughter chromosomes and the nucleolus reappears in each nucleus. The daughter chromosomes then unwind into chromatin. (Telophase)

After mitosis is complete, identical nuclei are formed. During cytokinesis, the sides of the cell pinch inward, dividing the cytoplasm and forming two daughter cells, each containing a complete copy of the parent cell's DNA. (Cytokinesis)

The cell cycle is the sequence of events from one cell division to the next. The cell cycle consists of three main stages: interphase, mitosis, and cytokinesis. (Cell Division)