The life cycle of a cell consists of interphase where the cell prepares to divide, prophase where DNA condenses into chromosomes and spindle fibers form, prometaphase where spindle fibers attach to centromeres, metaphase where chromosomes align at the equator, anaphase where sister chromatids are pulled to opposite sides, telophase where nuclear membranes form around chromosome sets and cytokinesis where the cell divides into two daughter cells that reenter interphase.