The mitotic phase, or M phase, of the cell cycle, which follows interphase, produces two daughter cells. The M phase gets its name from the processes of mitosis. During the normal cell cycle, interphase can be quite long. In contrast, the process of cell division usually takes place quickly. The M phase occurs in two main stages. The first stage of the process, division of the cell nucleus, is called mitosis. The second stage, the division of the cytoplasm, is called cytokinesis.

Watch the following video for an overview of the M phase. See if you can determine where mitosis ends and cytokinesis begins.