The stage of the cell cycle in which the cell performs its normal functions and prepares for cell division is called interphase.
The cell cycle can be divided into interphase, the mitotic (M) phase, and cytokinesis. Interphase is a phase when the cell prepares for the division. The cell grows, accumulates nutrients needed for mitosis, and duplicates its DNA. Mitotic phase is characterized by the separation of chromosomes. Cytokinesis is the final phase when cytoplasm separates into two new daughter cells.
