During which phase of the cell cycle does mitosis occur?

Mitosis occurs during the M phase of the cell cycle. This phase is specifically designated for cell division, encompassing mitosis itself followed by cytokinesis, where the cell physically divides into two separate daughter cells. The process of mitosis involves several key stages (prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase) that ensure accurate distribution of replicated chromosomes into the daughter cells, maintaining genetic consistency across cellular generations.

Other phases in the cell cycle, such as interphase (which includes the G1 and G2 phases), are primarily focused on growth, DNA replication, and preparation for cell division rather than the division itself. During interphase, the cell is active in preparing for mitosis by increasing in size and duplicating its genetic material, but it does not involve the actual process of mitosis. Thus, recognizing that mitosis specifically takes place in the M phase is crucial for understanding the overall cycle of cell growth and division.