What are the stages of the cell cycle?

The stages of the cell cycle are Interphase, Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase and Cytokinesis.

The cell cycle is a series of events that take place in a cell leading to its division and duplication. It is divided into two main phases: Interphase and the Mitotic phase. Interphase, which is the longest phase, is further divided into three stages: G1 (first gap), S (synthesis), and G2 (second gap). During G1, the cell grows physically larger, copies organelles, and makes the molecular building blocks it will need in later steps. In the S phase, the cell synthesises a complete copy of the DNA in its nucleus. During G2, the cell grows more, makes proteins and organelles, and begins to reorganise its contents in preparation for mitosis.

The Mitotic phase is composed of Mitosis and Cytokinesis. Mitosis is further divided into Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, and Telophase. During Prophase, the chromatin condenses into discrete chromosomes. The nuclear envelope breaks down and spindles start to form. In Metaphase, the chromosomes line up in the middle of the cell and spindle fibres connect the centromere of each chromosome to the two poles of the spindle. During Anaphase, the sister chromatids separate into individual chromosomes and are pulled apart. In Telophase, the chromosomes gather at opposite ends of the cell and lose their distinct shapes. Two new nuclear envelopes will form.

Cytokinesis is the final stage where the cytoplasm of the cell is divided in two by a contractile ring of actin filaments, creating two daughter cells. In animal cells, this is known as cleavage, while in plant cells, a cell plate forms along the line of the metaphase plate.

Each stage of the cell cycle is crucial for the successful division and duplication of cells. Errors in any of these stages can lead to cell death or disease, such as cancer. Therefore, understanding the cell cycle is fundamental in the study of biology.