The two main stages of cell division are called:

Explanation

Mitosis is the process of nuclear division in which the duplicated chromosomes are separated into two nuclei, ensuring that each daughter cell receives a complete set of chromosomes. It consists of several stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. During prophase, chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes, the nuclear envelope breaks down, and the mitotic spindle forms. In metaphase, chromosomes align along the metaphase plate. Anaphase involves the separation of sister chromatids, with each pulled towards opposite poles by the shortening spindle fibers. Telophase sees the formation of two distinct nuclei as the chromosomes decondense.Cytokinesis, on the other hand, is the division of the cytoplasm, which occurs after mitosis. It ensures that each daughter cell receives a portion of the organelles and cytoplasm necessary for cellular function. In animal cells, cytokinesis involves the formation of a cleavage furrow, which constricts the cell membrane to separate the cytoplasm into two daughter cells. In plant cells, a cell plate forms at the equator of the cell, gradually developing into a new cell wall, ultimately dividing the cell into two daughter cells. Both mitosis and cytokinesis together constitute the process of cell division, resulting in the formation of two genetically identical daughter cells.