Stage Major Features
G0 phase Stable, nondividing period of variable length.
Interphase
G1 phase Growth and development of the cell; G1/S checkpoint.
S phase Synthesis of DNA.
G2 phase preparation for division; G2/M checkpoint.
M phase
Prophase Chromosomes condense and mitotic spindle forms.
prometaphase Nuclear envelope disintegrates, and spindle microtubules anchor to kinetochores.
Metaphase Chromosomes align on the metaphase plate; spindle-assembly checkpoint.
Anaphase Sister chromatids separate, becoming individual chromosomes that migrate toward spindle poles.
Telophase Chromosomes arrive at spindle poles, the nuclear envelope re-forms, and the condensed chromosomes relax.
Cytokinesis Cytoplasm divides; cell wall forms in plant cells.
Table 2.1: Features of the cell cycle