# Explain what happens during the cell cycle, including the stages of mitosis, to produce two genetically identical daughter cells.

> Edexcel A-Level Biology A: Salters-Nuffield (9BN0) — 2.2 Cell cycle and mitosis · Explain · 5 marks

> The cell cycle is a series of events that takes place in a cell, involving cell growth, DNA replication and cell division. The cycle includes a long stage called interphase followed by mitosis and cytokinesis.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. During interphase, the cell grows and DNA replication occurs (so each chromosome is copied)
2. During metaphase, chromosomes align at the cell equator
3. During anaphase, chromatids are pulled to opposite poles of the cell by spindle fibres
4. Cytokinesis divides the cytoplasm to produce two new daughter cells
5. The two daughter cells are genetically identical to each other and to the parent cell / both are diploid cells containing a full set of chromosomes

## Key terms

- [cell cycle](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/cell-cycle)
- [mitosis](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/mitosis)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Edexcel A-Level Biology A: Salters-Nuffield (9BN0)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-what-happens-during-the-cell-e84d92b7) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.