The in-order steps in the cell cycle consist of interphase, mitosis and cytokinesis.
Interphase contains three phases: G1, S and G2, whereby G stands for gap and S stands for synthesis. The G1 and G2 phases involve growth and preparation for later changes
Mitosis itself consists of five active steps or phases: prophase, prometaphase, metaphase, anaphase and telophase. During prophase, the chromosomes inside the cell's nucleus form tight structures. In prometaphase, the nuclear membrane falls apart and the mitotic spindle connects with the chromosomes. During metaphase, microtubules organize chromosomes in a line along the cell's equator.
Cytokinesis, the physical process of cell division, happens at the same time as mitosis, beginning during anaphase and continuing through telophase. During cytokinesis, the chromosomes and cytoplasm separate into two new daughter cells. Cytokinesis occurs differently in animal and plant cells. In animal cells, the plasma membrane of the parent cell pinches inward along the cell’s equator until two daughter cells form. In plant cells, a cell plate forms along the equator of the parent cell. A new plasma membrane and cell wall form along each side of the cell plate.
