Most of a cell’s life cycle is spent growing and developing; and this is called interphase. During interphase the nucleus can be clearly seen. The chromosomes also make copies of themselves.

Metaphase is a stage of mitosis in the eukaryotic cell. Chromosome pairs line up along the middle of the cell during metaphase.

Prophase is a stage of mitosis where chromosomes become more coiled and can be viewed under a light microscope. The nuclear membrane disappears at this stage.

Chromosomes pair split apart and begin to move to an opposite end of the cell.

A nuclear membrane forms around each set of chromosomes. The cytoplasm divides and is pinched apart. Each new nucleus has the same number of chromosomes as the original cell.

After telophase, two new daughter cells are formed that are identical to the original cell. Each new cell is in the growth stage of the cell cycle.

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