Final answer:
One cell becomes two distinct cells during the mitosis and cytokinesis stages of the cell cycle which consist of interphase, followed by the mitotic phase that includes mitosis and cytokinesis.
Step-by-step explanation
The process during which one cell becomes two distinct cells occurs during mitosis and cytokinesis, which are part of the cell cycle. The cell cycle is an ordered series of events involving cell growth and division that results in the formation of two new daughter cells. It consists of two main phases: interphase, where the cell grows and DNA is replicated, and the mitotic phase, which includes both mitosis and cytokinesis.
During mitosis, the nucleus of the cell divides into two, ensuring each new nucleus contains the same number of chromosomes as the original cell. This stage includes four steps: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. Following telophase, the cell undergoes cytokinesis, where the cytoplasm is divided, giving rise to two genetically identical daughter cells. This sequence of growth and division is carefully regulated to ensure that each new cell is a clone of the parent cell.