Actively dividing eukaryote cells pass through a series of stages known collectively as the cell cycle: two gap phases (G1 and G2); an S (for synthesis) phase, in which the genetic material is duplicated; and an M phase, in which mitosis partitions the genetic material and the cell divides.
G1 phase. Metabolic changes prepare the cell for division. At a certain point - the restriction point - the cell is committed to division and moves into the S phase.S phase. DNA synthesis replicates the genetic material. Each chromosome now consists of two sister chromatids.G2 phase. Metabolic changes assemble the cytoplasmic materials necessary for mitosis and cytokinesis.M phase. A nuclear division (mitosis) followed by a cell division (cytokinesis).The period between mitotic divisions - that is, G1, S and G2 - is known as interphase.Mitosis is a form of eukaryotic cell division that produces two daughter cells with the same genetic component as the parent cell. Chromosomes replicated during the S phase are divided in such a way as to ensure that each daughter cell receives a copy of every chromosome. In actively dividing animal cells, the whole process takes about one hour.