Ankita

The cell cycle is the process by which a cell grows and divides. It has two main phases: Interphase and M phase. Interphase is the longest phase where the cell prepares for division. It has three parts: G₁ phase, S phase, and G₂ phase. In the G₁ phase, the cell grows and performs its normal functions. In the S phase, the DNA is copied so that each chromosome has a twin called a sister chromatid. In the G₂ phase, the cell grows more and gets ready for division by making the necessary proteins and checking the DNA for any mistakes.

After interphase comes the M phase, where the actual cell division happens. M phase has two parts: mitosis (division of the nucleus) and cytokinesis (division of the cytoplasm). Mitosis has four stages. In prophase, the chromosomes become visible, the nuclear membrane breaks, and spindle fibers form. In metaphase, all the chromosomes line up in the middle of the cell. In anaphase, the sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite sides. In telophase, new nuclear membranes form around each set of chromosomes and the cell begins to split. Finally, in cytokinesis, the cell divides into two daughter cells, each with the same number of chromosomes. This way, the cycle repeats to produce new cells.