What does the M Phase of the cell cycle primarily involve?

The correct answer is focused on Mitosis, or nuclear division, which is the central feature of the M phase of the cell cycle. During this phase, a cell undergoes a series of complex steps that lead to the division of its nucleus, resulting in the separation of genetic material into two daughter cells. This is crucial for ensuring that each new cell receives an identical set of chromosomes, maintaining genetic consistency across cell generations.

The M phase consists of several stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase, each critical for the orderly distribution of chromosomes. Following mitosis, cytokinesis occurs, where the cytoplasm divides, ultimately leading to two distinct cells. This phase is vital for growth, tissue repair, and reproduction in multicellular organisms.

The other options pertain to different phases or functions of the cell cycle. For instance, cell growth and metabolism occur primarily during the interphase stages (G1, S, and G2). The preparation for DNA synthesis is specifically associated with the S phase, where DNA replication takes place. The formation of the cell wall is a specialized process that occurs in plant cells and is not directly related to nuclear division during the M phase. Thus, understanding that Mitosis is the