Final answer:
The fastest rate of mitosis occurs during the mitotic phase of the cell cycle, which typically lasts between 1 and 2 hours.
Step-by-step explanation:
The fastest rate of mitosis occurs during the mitotic phase of the cell cycle. The mitotic phase typically takes between 1 and 2 hours and is divided into four stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. During prophase, the chromosomes condense and the nuclear envelope breaks down. In metaphase, the chromosomes line up in the middle of the cell. In anaphase, the sister chromatids separate and move towards opposite poles of the cell. Finally, in telophase, the chromosomes reach their respective poles and the nuclear envelope reforms. Mitosis is followed by cytokinesis, which completes cell division.