Final answer:
The cell cycle is the process by which a cell grows, duplicates its DNA, and divides into two daughter cells. It includes interphase and the mitotic phase, with mitosis divided into prophase, prometaphase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase, followed by cytokinesis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding the Cell Cycle and Mitosis
The cell cycle is a complex process that cells undergo to ultimately produce two new daughter cells. During the cell cycle, a cell grows, duplicates its DNA, and divides. This cycle consists of the interphase—where the cell grows and DNA replication occurs—and the mitotic phase, which includes mitosis and cytokinesis. Mitosis itself is subdivided into several stages: prophase, prometaphase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. These stages ensure that the cell's genetic material is precisely separated into the two forming nuclei. Cytokinesis then divides the cytoplasm, completing the formation of two identical cells.
Mitosis is crucial for growth, tissue repair, and reproduction in organisms. The regulation of the cell cycle is vital, as loss of control can lead to conditions such as cancer. Understanding each phase in detail is key to grasping how cells duplicate themselves in a controlled and efficient manner.