The fourth and final phase of the cell cycle, where cell division occurs through mitosis and cytokinesis
Mitosis
Division of the nucleus
Cytokinesis
Division of the cytoplasm
Phases of the cell cycle
G1
S
G2
M
Mitosis
1. Prophase
2. Metaphase
3. Anaphase
4. Telophase
Prophase
Chromatin condenses into chromosomes
Spindle fibers form
Nucleolus and nuclear membrane disappear
Metaphase
Spindle fibers align chromosomes along the cell equator
Anaphase
Spindle fibers separate sister chromatids into two groups of chromosomes, pulling them toward the poles
Telophase
Nucleolus and nuclear membrane reform
Chromosomes disperse into chromatin
Cytokinesis in animal cells
Inward movement of the cell membrane progressively pinches the cytoplasm until two daughter cells form
Cytokinesis in plant cells
Cell wall material assembles along the equator forming a cell plate that grows until it joins the existing cell membrane, separating the two halves into daughter cells
The M phase always results in two daughter cells that are identical to each other and the original cell
