| Term | Definition |
| Interphase | The cell grows and replicates its DNA and centrioles. |
| Prophase | The chromatin condenses into chromosomes. The centrioles separate, and a spindle begins to form. The nuclear envelope breaks down. |
| Metaphase | The chromosomes line up across the center of the cell. Each chromosome is connected to a spindle fiber at its centromere. |
| Anaphase | The sister chromatids separate into individual chromosomes and are moved apart. |
| Telophase | The chromosomes gather at opposite ends of the cell and lose their distinct shapes. Two new nuclear envelopes will form. |
| Cytokinesis | The cytoplasm pinches in half. Each daughter cell has an identical set of duplicate chromosomes. |