What occurs in the M phase of the cell cycle?

During the M phase of the cell cycle, cell division takes place. This phase is a crucial part of the cell cycle where a parent cell divides into two daughter cells, ensuring that each new cell receives an identical set of chromosomes. The M phase encompasses both mitosis, where the chromosomes are separated and distributed, and cytokinesis, which is the process where the cell cytoplasm divides, resulting in two distinct and complete cells.

In contrast, DNA replication occurs in the S phase prior to the M phase, while cell growth takes place in the G1 phase, and cell differentiation typically refers to the process by which a less specialized cell becomes a more specialized one, which can happen at various points in the cell cycle but is not a direct function of the M phase. Understanding the specific functions of each phase of the cell cycle is crucial for comprehending how chemotherapy and immunotherapy impact cancer treatment, as these therapies often target rapidly dividing cells during the M phase.