Final answer:
Mitosis and cytokinesis are the two overlapping events that occur during the M phase of the cell cycle, resulting in the distribution of duplicated chromosomes into two new cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
M phase involves two overlapping events known as mitosis and cytokinesis. During the M phase, the cell undergoes these distinct periods to ensure that the duplicated chromosomes are accurately aligned, separated, and distributed into two new, identical daughter cells. Karyokinesis, another term for mitosis, involves a series of stages—prophase, prometaphase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase—that result in the division of the cell nucleus. Following mitosis, cytokinesis occurs, which is the physical separation of the cytoplasmic components into the two daughter cells. This entire process is essential for the reproduction and growth of cells, and for maintaining the proper chromosome number in the daughter cells.