The cell cycle consists of interphase, prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase and cytokinesis. Interphase is made up of G1, S, and G2. During G1 the cell is growing and doing its normal processes. During the S phase the cell is going through DNA replication. During the G2 phase the cell is preparing for division by double checking the cell. Then the cell goes through cell division. Cell division is the division of a cell into two daughter cells with the same genetic material. The genetic material in the cells in called chromatin, meaning it is loose. The division of the cell takes place during prophase, anaphase, telophase, and cytokinesis.
Mitosis:
Mitosis is the process by which the cell divides, producing two new nuclei that are genetically identical to the nucleus of the parent cell. The purpose of mitosis is for growth and repair. The organelle called the centriole helps during this process. The phases of mitosis are prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase, and cytokinesis. During prophase the chromosomes become visible, nuclear envelope dissolves, and spindle fibers forms. During metaphase the chromosomes line up in the middle of the cell. During anaphase the chromosomes separate and move to opposite ends of the cell. The spindle fibers attach to the centromeres and pull the chromosomes apart. During telophase a nuclear membrane reforms around each new set of chromosomes. During cytokinesis the cytoplasm divides and two new cells are formed. The end result is two diploid cells.
Meiosis:
Meiosis takes places in the testes and ovaries. The main purpose of meiosis is reproduction. The stages of meiosis are prophase I, metaphase I, anaphase I, telophase I, prophase II, metaphase II, anaphase II, telophase II, and cytokinesis. During prophase I spindle fibers form, the nuclear envelope breaks down, DNA condenses, tetrads form, and crossing over between homologous chromosomes occurs. During metaphase I pairs of homologous chromosomes move to the middle of the cell. During anaphase I homologous chromosomes toward opposite ends of the cell. The chromosomes are still in the form of sister chromatids. During telophase I and cytokinesis chromosomes gather at the poles of the cells and then the cytoplasm divides. During prophase II new spindle fibers form around the chromosomes. During metaphase II chromosomes line up at the equator. During anaphase II the centromeres divide and the chromatids move toward opposite ends of the cell. During telophase II and cytokinesis a nuclear envelope forms around each set of chromosomes and the cytoplasm divides. This results in 4 haploidgametes.