Mitotic (M) Phase
nuclear division (PMAT) → 2 nuclei
cell division → 2 identical daughter cells
The mitotic (M) phase of the cell cycle is the phase in which cells divide and reproduce. It consists of two main events: nuclear division, also known as mitosis, and cell division, also known as cytokinesis.
During nuclear division, the cell undergoes a series of distinct stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase (PMAT). These stages involve the condensation and separation of chromosomes, alignment of chromosomes at the cell's equator, separation and migration of sister chromatids, and formation of two separate nuclei.
Following nuclear division, the cell enters the cell division phase, or cytokinesis. During this process, the cell membrane pinches inwards, dividing the cytoplasm and organelles between two daughter cells. Eventually, two identical daughter cells are formed, each containing a complete set of chromosomes.
Overall, the mitotic phase ensures that genetic material is accurately distributed to the daughter cells, resulting in the production of genetically identical cells.