3.14—Mitosis and the cell cycle

The cell cycle is the regulated sequence from one cell division to the next: G1 growth and normal work, S-phase DNA replication, G2 preparation and checking, M-phase nuclear division, then cytokinesis.

After S phase each chromosome has two sister chromatids. Mitosis separates those chromatids into two genetically identical nuclei, and cytokinesis partitions the cytoplasm so each daughter cell receives one nucleus.

A root-tip cell can spend much of its cycle in interphase, then pass through prophase, metaphase, anaphase and telophase before the plant cell forms a new wall between daughters.

Interphase includes G1, S and G2; it is not a single resting stage. Cytokinesis follows nuclear division and is not one of the four named stages of mitosis.