Final answer:
The eukaryotic cell cycle consists of interphase and the mitotic phase, which include cell growth, DNA replication, and cell division, resulting in two identical daughter cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Eukaryotic Cell Cycle
Understanding the eukaryotic cell cycle is crucial for comprehending how organisms grow and propagate. The cell cycle includes interphase and the mitotic phase. During interphase, the cell undergoes growth, engages in regular cellular functions, and prepares for division. This phase comprises three stages: the First Gap (G1), Synthesis (S), where DNA replication occurs, and the Second Gap (G2). Following interphase, the mitotic phase occurs, consisting of mitosis and cytokinesis—the processes of nuclear and cytoplasmic division that result in two identical daughter cells. Mitosis is further divided into prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase, steps that detail the exact method of chromosome alignment, separation, and distribution to the daughter cells.
It is within the precision of these phases that the cell ensures the maintenance of genome integrity and proper cell function. Disruptions in this finely tuned cycle can lead to issues like uncontrolled division, which is characteristic of cancer.