The cell cycle is the series of events that occur in a cell leading to its division and duplication of its DNA to produce two daughter cells. It consists of two main stages – interphase and mitosis.

Interphase is the longest stage of the cell cycle and is further divided into three phases – G1, S, and G2. During G1, the cell grows and synthesizes new proteins and organelles. In the S phase, DNA replication occurs, resulting in the duplication of the cell's genetic material. During G2, the cell continues to grow and prepares for mitosis.

Mitosis is the process of nuclear division in which a single cell divides into two identical daughter cells. It is also divided into four stages – prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. During prophase, the chromosomes condense and become visible, and the nuclear envelope breaks down. In metaphase, the chromosomes line up at the equator of the cell. During anaphase, the sister chromatids separate and move to opposite poles of the cell. In telophase, the nuclear envelope reforms around the separated chromosomes, and the cell undergoes cytokinesis, resulting in the formation of two identical daughter cells.

The cell cycle is tightly regulated to ensure the proper division and distribution of genetic material. Checkpoints are present throughout the cell cycle to monitor DNA damage and ensure that the cell is ready to proceed to the next stage. Dysregulation of the cell cycle can lead to diseases such as cancer.