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In this section, we will review the events that constitute the M phase. The M phase follows G2, and consists of mitosis, in which cells separate their duplicated contents, and cytokinesis, in which the cell divides. Division of cells at the end of cytokinesis yield identical diploid cells.
Though cell division is the defining characteristic of the M phase, a number of events must take place during mitosis before the cell is ready to split. Mitosis and cytokinesis are often considered to be two distinct sub-phases within the general cell-cycle phase we've been calling the M phase. For ease of reference, we will use the term M phase through the rest of this SparkNote to refer to the combination of the four steps of mitosis and cytokinesis.
Mitosis involves a four step process. The four steps of mitosis, called prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase, constitute the period in which the cell makes preparations for cell division. The four steps are differentiated by specific events of preparation for cell division. Cytokinesis refers to the actual cleavage event, splitting the cell in two, which occurs after mitosis is complete.
In this SparkNote on the M phase we will review the nearly universal cellular characteristics of the four stages of mitosis and of cytokinesis. Our discussion will be guided by the order in which events take place. We'll begin at the end of interphase in G2 and go through mitosis and cytokinesis, ending where the resulting cells re-enter interphase at G1.
