The cell cycle is the process a cell undergoes to replicate all of its genetic material and divide into two identical cells. The stages of the cell cycle are divided into two major phases: interphase and the mitotic (M) phase.

Interphase is the longest phase of the cell cycle and is divided into three stages: G1, S, and G2. During G1, the cell grows and prepares to replicate its DNA. During S, the cell replicates its DNA. During G2, the cell grows and prepares for cell division.

Mitotic (M) phase is the phase where the cell divides into two identical daughter cells. It is divided into two stages: mitosis and cytokinesis. During mitosis, the replicated DNA and cytoplasmic contents are separated, and the cell divides. During cytokinesis, the cytoplasmic components are physically separated into two daughter cells.

In summary, the primary stages of the cell cycle are interphase (G1, S, and G2) and the mitotic (M) phase (mitosis and cytokinesis) [[6]](https://www.mytutor.co.uk/answers/45912/GCSE/Biology/Describe-the-3-overall-stages-of...