The cell cycle is a series of stages that a cell goes through to grow and divide. It consists of four main phases: G1 phase (cell growth), S phase (DNA synthesis), G2 phase (preparation for division), and M phase (mitosis, where the cell divides). This cycle ensures that cells replicate accurately and maintain proper function. During the M phase, the cell's chromosomes are separated into two new nuclei, followed by cytokinesis, which divides the cytoplasm, resulting in two daughter cells. The cell cycle is tightly regulated by various proteins, including cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), to prevent errors in cell division.