Mitosis occurs during the M phase of the cell cycle.
The cell cycle is divided into several phases: the G1 phase, S phase, G2 phase, and M phase. The M phase is the shortest phase and is dedicated to the process of cell division, where one cell divides into two genetically identical daughter cells. This phase consists of several stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase, collectively referred to as mitosis.
Understanding the phases of the cell cycle is crucial because it helps in comprehending how cells grow, replicate, and divide, which is fundamental to all biological processes. Mitosis is essential for growth, tissue repair, and asexual reproduction in many organisms.