Ranjitha P

The cell cycle is the process by which a cell grows and then divides to form two new cells. You can think of it like a school project: first, you prepare everything, and then you present or submit it. In the same way, the cell cycle has two main parts i.e interphase and M phase.

During interphase, the cell is not dividing yet. It's just getting ready. Interphase has three stages:

~First comes the G₁ phase. This is when the cell grows in size, makes proteins, and gets stronger — just like how we prepare our tools and materials before starting a project.

~Then comes the S phase. Here, the cell copies all of its DNA. Imagine you’re making two notebooks from one — the cell is making a second copy of its genetic information so both new cells will have the same set.

~After that is the G₂ phase. Now the cell checks everything — is the DNA copied properly? Is it ready to divide? If everything looks good, it moves to the next phase.

Then comes the M phase, which is where the actual cell division happens. This is called mitosis, and it happens in four main steps:

~In prophase, the DNA becomes visible as X-shaped chromosomes, and the covering of the nucleus breaks down. Think of it like opening a package so the contents can be shared.

~In metaphase, the chromosomes line up in the middle of the cell. It’s like soldiers standing in a straight line for inspection.

~In anaphase, the chromosomes split and move to opposite sides of the cell. It’s like dividing your books equally into two bags.

~In telophase, the cell starts forming two new nuclei on each side, and the chromosomes go back to their relaxed form.

Finally, the cell splits completely into two cells. Each new cell is just like the original one — with the same DNA and ready to live its life.

Hope this answer helps you, dear. All the best:)