Let’s go step by step to understand what’s happening in each stage of the cell cycle shown in the diagram.
The cell cycle is how a cell grows and divides into two new cells. It has two main parts: Interphase (when the cell gets ready) and Mitosis + Cytokinesis (when the cell actually splits).
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Step 1: Interphase
This is the “getting ready” phase. The cell is not dividing yet. Inside the nucleus, you see tangled threads — that’s chromatin (DNA). The nuclear membrane is still there, and the cell membrane surrounds everything. The cell is growing and copying its DNA so it can split later.
→ Key point: Chromatin = loose DNA. Nuclear membrane = intact. Cell is preparing.
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Step 2: Mitosis - Prophase
Now mitosis begins! The chromatin starts to coil up tightly into visible chromosomes (you can see them as X-shapes). The nuclear membrane starts to break down (shown by the dashed line). Spindle fibers begin to form from opposite sides of the cell — they’ll help pull chromosomes apart later.
→ Key point: Chromosomes become visible. Nuclear membrane disappears. Spindle fibers start forming.
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Step 3: Mitosis - Metaphase
Chromosomes line up right in the middle of the cell — like soldiers standing at attention. Spindle fibers attach to each chromosome from both sides. This makes sure when they split, each new cell gets one copy.
→ Key point: Chromosomes aligned in center. Spindle fibers attached.
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Step 4: Mitosis - Anaphase
The spindle fibers pull the chromosomes apart! Each half of the X-shaped chromosome moves to opposite ends of the cell. Now each side has a full set of chromosomes.
→ Key point: Chromatids separate and move to opposite poles.
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Step 5: Mitosis - Telophase
The chromosomes reach the ends. New nuclear membranes start forming around each group. The cell starts pinching in the middle — this is the beginning of splitting the cytoplasm.
→ Key point: Two nuclei form. Cell begins to pinch.
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Step 6: Cytokinesis
The cell finishes splitting into two separate daughter cells. Each has its own nucleus with chromatin inside, and its own cell membrane. They look just like the original cell did in Interphase — ready to grow and divide again!
→ Key point: One cell becomes two identical cells.
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All these steps together make sure that when a cell divides, each new cell gets an exact copy of the DNA. That’s super important for growth, healing, and replacing old cells in your body.
Final Answer:
The stages of the cell cycle shown are:
1. Interphase – cell prepares, DNA is copied.
2. Prophase – chromosomes form, nuclear membrane breaks down.
3. Metaphase – chromosomes line up in the middle.
4. Anaphase – chromosomes split and move to opposite ends.
5. Telophase – new nuclei form, cell starts to pinch.
6. Cytokinesis – cell fully splits into two identical daughter cells.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of mitosis drawing worksheet.
