During Interphase the cell increases in mass and size and carries out its normal cellular functions such as synthesising proteins and replicating its DNA ready for mitosis.
Cytokinesis follows M phase and once the nucleus has divided into two genetically identical nuclei, the whole cell divides and one nucleus moves into each cell to create two genetically identical daughter cells.
Other preparations for cell division are made (eg production of tubulin protein, which is used to make microtubules for the mitotic spindle) during the G2 phase.
Mitosis is the process of nuclear division by which two genetically identical daughter nuclei are produced that are also genetically identical to the parent cell nucleus, having the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell.
The chromosomes consist of two identical chromatids called sister chromatids, each containing one DNA molecule, that are joined together at the centromere.
Chromosomes line up at the equator of the spindle (also known as the metaphase plate) so they are equidistant to the two centrosome poles during Metaphase.