Interphase: During interphase, the cell is in a growth and metabolic activity phase. The cell appears round and uniform in shape with a visible nucleus and cytoplasm. The chromosomes are not visible during this stage.
Prophase: During prophase, the chromosomes begin to condense and become visible. The cell appears slightly elongated as the chromosomes line up at the center of the cell. The nuclear envelope begins to break down.
Metaphase: During metaphase, the chromosomes are fully condensed and aligned at the center of the cell, known as the metaphase plate. The cell appears elongated and the chromosomes are clearly visible.
Anaphase: During anaphase, the chromosomes are pulled apart and begin to move to opposite ends of the cell. The cell appears elongated with chromosomes at opposite ends.
Telophase: During telophase, the chromosomes begin to decondense and return to an interphase state. The nuclear envelope reforms and the cell appears round and uniform in shape with a visible nucleus and cytoplasm.
Cytokinesis: During cytokinesis, the cell physically divides and two daughter cells are formed. The cells appears to be identical to the parent cell but smaller in size.
A distinguishing visible feature of each stage of the cell cycle is the appearance and organization of the chromosomes. In interphase, the chromosomes are not visible, in prophase they start to condense and become visible, in metaphase they are fully condensed and aligned in the center, in anaphase they are pulled apart and move to opposite ends of the cell, in telophase they begin to decondense and return to an interphase state and in cytokinesis the cells physically divide.