The cell cycle is a series of stages that cells go through to grow and divide. Here are the different stages of the cell cycle:
1. **Interphase G1**: This is the first phase of interphase where the cell grows and synthesizes proteins and organelles. The cell prepares for DNA replication.
2. **Interphase S**: During this phase, the cell replicates its DNA. Each chromosome is duplicated to ensure that the two new cells will have identical genetic material.
3. **Interphase G2**: The cell continues to grow and prepares for mitosis. It synthesizes proteins and organelles needed for cell division.
4. **Prophase**: Chromosomes condense and become visible. The nuclear envelope starts to break down, and the mitotic spindle begins to form.
5. **Prometaphase**: The nuclear envelope fully breaks down, and the chromosomes attach to the spindle fibers via their kinetochores.
6. **Metaphase**: Chromosomes line up at the metaphase plate (the cell’s equator). This alignment ensures that each new cell will receive one copy of each chromosome.
7. **Anaphase**: Sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles of the cell by the spindle fibers. Each chromatid is now considered a separate chromosome.
8. **Telophase**: Chromosomes arrive at the poles and begin to de-condense. The nuclear envelope reforms around each set of chromosomes, forming two new nuclei.
9. **Cytokinesis**: The cytoplasm divides, resulting in two separate daughter cells. In animal cells, this occurs through the formation of a cleavage furrow, while in plant cells, a cell plate forms.
These stages ensure that the cell’s genetic material is accurately replicated and distributed to the daughter cells.