Final answer:
The two major periods of the cell life cycle are interphase and the mitotic phase. Interphase is about cell growth and DNA replication, divided into G1, S, and G2 stages. The mitotic phase includes mitosis and cytokinesis, leading to the formation of two daughter cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
The cell life cycle consists of two major phases: interphase and the mitotic phase. During interphase, the cell grows, carries out normal functions, and prepares for division. This phase is divided into three stages: G1, where the cell grows; S, where DNA is replicated; and G2, where the cell continues to grow and prepares for mitosis. The mitotic phase includes mitosis, where the nucleus divides, and cytokinesis, where the cytoplasm is divided, creating two daughter cells.
Detailed examination of these periods shows that interphase occupies most of a cell's life, whereby it performs functions essential for cell growth and DNA replication. Failure to regulate these periods correctly can lead to uncontrollable cell division, often resulting in cancer. Therefore, understanding the stages of the cell cycle is crucial not only for studying cellular biology but also for medical and cancer research.