What stages represent the beginning and the end of the cell cycle?

The cell cycle is a five-stage process that begins with the prophase stage and ends with the cytokinesis stage. In between the beginning and end stages, the dividing cell passes through the stages of metaphase, anaphase and telophase.

The longest stage is metaphase, during which the cell's chromosomes are aligned along an imaginary line (the metaphase plate), which divides the cell into two halves. The following stage, anaphase, is the shortest portion of the cell division process.

The time in between the five stages is called the interphase and represents the longest part of the cell cycle. During this time, the cell grows, its centrioles divide, and DNA is replicated.