Mitosis is the process where a single cell divides into... Show more
Health
Algebra
Calculus 1
Algebra 1
OverigeSign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
28
•
Dec 7, 2025
•
The 6 Phases of Cell Cycle Explained
Lalia Weir
@lalialovescarti
1 / 10
Phases of Mitosis
Mitosis is how one cell becomes two identical cells. This process is happening in your body right now, helping you heal cuts, grow taller, and replace worn-out cells.
The complete process involves several distinct phases, each with specific events that ensure genetic information is passed correctly to new cells.
Quick Fact: Every day, your body produces billions of new cells through mitosis to replace cells that have died or been damaged!
The Cell Cycle
The cell cycle consists of 6 key phases that cells go through when dividing. These phases include Interphase (when the cell prepares for division) and the phases of mitosis: Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, and Telophase, followed by Cytokinesis.
Each phase plays a crucial role in making sure the genetic material is accurately copied and distributed to the new cells.
Understanding this cycle helps explain how your body grows and repairs itself throughout your life.
Interphase
Interphase is when cells spend most of their time. Think of it as the prep stage before the main event of cell division.
During interphase, the cell grows larger and makes a complete copy of its DNA through a process called replication. This ensures each new daughter cell will receive a full set of genetic instructions.
Although the cell isn't actively dividing during interphase, it's busy preparing everything needed for a successful division later.
Remember: While interphase isn't technically part of mitosis, it's a critical preparatory stage where DNA duplication occurs!
The Cell Cycle in Detail
The cell cycle alternates between long periods of interphase and brief periods of mitosis followed by cytokinesis (the physical splitting of the cell).
Interphase itself has three stages: G₁ (first growth phase), S (DNA synthesis), and G₂ (second growth phase). During these stages, the cell increases in size and duplicates its DNA.
Mitosis is the shorter, more dramatic part where the duplicated DNA is sorted into two new nuclei, with cytokinesis finishing the job by creating two separate cells.
Timing of Cell Division
Cells spend most of their time in interphase, with mitosis being a relatively brief event that only happens when new cells are needed.
Different types of cells divide at dramatically different rates. Skin cells divide approximately every 24 hours, while liver cells might only divide once a year. Interestingly, mature neurons (brain cells) don't divide at all.
This varied timing explains why cuts on your skin heal quickly, while damaged nerve cells typically don't regenerate.
Fascinating fact: The cells lining your stomach replace themselves every 2-3 days, which is why your stomach can heal quickly after minor irritations!
Prophase
Prophase marks the beginning of mitosis when visible changes start occurring in the cell.
During this phase, the nuclear membrane begins to disappear, making the barrier between the nucleus and the rest of the cell fade away. The DNA, which was spread out during interphase, condenses into visible chromosomes that look like X-shaped structures.
Meanwhile, the spindle apparatus forms and attaches to the centromeres (the middle part of each chromosome). This spindle will later help separate the chromosomes.
Scientific Naming
Scientists often name biological structures after everyday objects they resemble. The spindle apparatus in mitosis was named after spinning wheel spindles used centuries ago for making thread.
This naming tradition helps scientists visualize and remember complex biological concepts by connecting them to familiar objects.
However, as everyday technology changes, some of these names become less familiar to modern students, though they remain in scientific terminology.
Fun fact: Many scientific terms come from everyday objects - like the "dendrites" of neurons, named after tree branches (dendron means "tree" in Greek)!
Metaphase
Metaphase is the alignment phase of mitosis. During this stage, the nuclear membrane has completely disappeared, leaving no barrier between the chromosomes and the rest of the cell.
The chromosomes line up precisely along the cell's equator, also called the metaphase plate. This middle-line arrangement is crucial for ensuring each new cell will receive an equal set of chromosomes.
Think of metaphase as the chromosomes lining up at the starting line before the race to opposite sides of the cell begins.
Anaphase
Anaphase is the separation phase and one of the most dramatic parts of mitosis. During this phase, the spindle fibers actively push and pull the chromosomes.
The sister chromatids (the identical halves of each chromosome) separate from each other and move to opposite poles of the cell. This ensures that each future daughter cell will receive one complete set of chromosomes.
This movement resembles a choreographed dance as the chromosomes travel simultaneously toward opposite ends of the cell, creating two equal genetic collections.
Telophase
During telophase, the cell begins to finalize the creation of two new nuclei. The nuclear membrane starts to reform around each set of chromosomes that reached the poles during anaphase.
The chromosomes also begin to decondense, returning to their more relaxed state as they were during interphase. They become less visible as they spread out within the newly forming nuclei.
Telophase essentially reverses many of the changes that happened during prophase, preparing for the final separation of the cell.
Key insight: The prefix "telo-" means "end," making telophase the "end phase" of mitosis before cytokinesis completes the division!
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Most popular content: Cytokinesis
Most popular content in AP Biology
Most popular content
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The 6 Phases of Cell Cycle Explained
Lalia Weir
@lalialovescarti
Mitosis is the process where a single cell divides into two identical daughter cells. This fundamental biological process is essential for growth, healing, and replacing damaged cells in your body. Understanding the phases of mitosis helps explain how your body... Show more
Phases of Mitosis
Mitosis is how one cell becomes two identical cells. This process is happening in your body right now, helping you heal cuts, grow taller, and replace worn-out cells.
The complete process involves several distinct phases, each with specific events that ensure genetic information is passed correctly to new cells.
Quick Fact: Every day, your body produces billions of new cells through mitosis to replace cells that have died or been damaged!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The Cell Cycle
The cell cycle consists of 6 key phases that cells go through when dividing. These phases include Interphase (when the cell prepares for division) and the phases of mitosis: Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, and Telophase, followed by Cytokinesis.
Each phase plays a crucial role in making sure the genetic material is accurately copied and distributed to the new cells.
Understanding this cycle helps explain how your body grows and repairs itself throughout your life.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Interphase
Interphase is when cells spend most of their time. Think of it as the prep stage before the main event of cell division.
During interphase, the cell grows larger and makes a complete copy of its DNA through a process called replication. This ensures each new daughter cell will receive a full set of genetic instructions.
Although the cell isn't actively dividing during interphase, it's busy preparing everything needed for a successful division later.
Remember: While interphase isn't technically part of mitosis, it's a critical preparatory stage where DNA duplication occurs!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The Cell Cycle in Detail
The cell cycle alternates between long periods of interphase and brief periods of mitosis followed by cytokinesis (the physical splitting of the cell).
Interphase itself has three stages: G₁ (first growth phase), S (DNA synthesis), and G₂ (second growth phase). During these stages, the cell increases in size and duplicates its DNA.
Mitosis is the shorter, more dramatic part where the duplicated DNA is sorted into two new nuclei, with cytokinesis finishing the job by creating two separate cells.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Timing of Cell Division
Cells spend most of their time in interphase, with mitosis being a relatively brief event that only happens when new cells are needed.
Different types of cells divide at dramatically different rates. Skin cells divide approximately every 24 hours, while liver cells might only divide once a year. Interestingly, mature neurons (brain cells) don't divide at all.
This varied timing explains why cuts on your skin heal quickly, while damaged nerve cells typically don't regenerate.
Fascinating fact: The cells lining your stomach replace themselves every 2-3 days, which is why your stomach can heal quickly after minor irritations!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Prophase
Prophase marks the beginning of mitosis when visible changes start occurring in the cell.
During this phase, the nuclear membrane begins to disappear, making the barrier between the nucleus and the rest of the cell fade away. The DNA, which was spread out during interphase, condenses into visible chromosomes that look like X-shaped structures.
Meanwhile, the spindle apparatus forms and attaches to the centromeres (the middle part of each chromosome). This spindle will later help separate the chromosomes.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Scientific Naming
Scientists often name biological structures after everyday objects they resemble. The spindle apparatus in mitosis was named after spinning wheel spindles used centuries ago for making thread.
This naming tradition helps scientists visualize and remember complex biological concepts by connecting them to familiar objects.
However, as everyday technology changes, some of these names become less familiar to modern students, though they remain in scientific terminology.
Fun fact: Many scientific terms come from everyday objects - like the "dendrites" of neurons, named after tree branches (dendron means "tree" in Greek)!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Metaphase
Metaphase is the alignment phase of mitosis. During this stage, the nuclear membrane has completely disappeared, leaving no barrier between the chromosomes and the rest of the cell.
The chromosomes line up precisely along the cell's equator, also called the metaphase plate. This middle-line arrangement is crucial for ensuring each new cell will receive an equal set of chromosomes.
Think of metaphase as the chromosomes lining up at the starting line before the race to opposite sides of the cell begins.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Anaphase
Anaphase is the separation phase and one of the most dramatic parts of mitosis. During this phase, the spindle fibers actively push and pull the chromosomes.
The sister chromatids (the identical halves of each chromosome) separate from each other and move to opposite poles of the cell. This ensures that each future daughter cell will receive one complete set of chromosomes.
This movement resembles a choreographed dance as the chromosomes travel simultaneously toward opposite ends of the cell, creating two equal genetic collections.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Telophase
During telophase, the cell begins to finalize the creation of two new nuclei. The nuclear membrane starts to reform around each set of chromosomes that reached the poles during anaphase.
The chromosomes also begin to decondense, returning to their more relaxed state as they were during interphase. They become less visible as they spread out within the newly forming nuclei.
Telophase essentially reverses many of the changes that happened during prophase, preparing for the final separation of the cell.
Key insight: The prefix "telo-" means "end," making telophase the "end phase" of mitosis before cytokinesis completes the division!
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
0
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay
Similar Content
Glycolysis
Glycolysis
BiologyCollege
Carbon Cycle
Gizmos
Biology9th
Botox Notes
Notes and description on chemical and physiological role of botox
Biology10th
(AP BIO) Unit 7: *Natural Selection: Selection Process for Automotive Parts
NATURAL SELECTION
Biology10th
Cell Structure and Function
Learn about the classification and functions of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, as well as the roles of various organelles in cell biology.
Biology9th
Most popular content: Cytokinesis
Most popular content in AP Biology
Most popular content
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user