The cell cycle is the series of events that takes place in a cell that ends with division and duplication. There are 5 stages in cell reproduction.

Interphase is the longest part of a cell's life. The resting phase between successive mitotic divisions of a cell, or between the first and second divisions of meiosis.

Prophase is the second stage in cell reproduction. The first stage of cell division, before metaphase, during which the chromosomes become visible as paired chromatids and the nuclear envelope disappears. The first prophase of meiosis includes the reduction division.

Metaphase is the third stage of cell reproduction. The second stage of cell division, between prophase and anaphase, during which the chromosomes become attached to the spindle fibers.

Anaphase is the fourth stage of cell reproduction. The stage of meiotic or mitotic cell division in which the chromosomes move away from one another to opposite poles of the spindle.

Telophase is the fifth stage of cell reproduction. The final phase of cell division, between anaphase and interphase, in which the chromatids or chromosomes move to opposite ends of the cell and two nuclei are formed.

A telomere is a region of repetitive nucleotide sequences at each end of a chromosome, which protects the end of the chromosome from deterioration or from fusion with neighboring chromosomes. Its name is derived from the Greek nouns telos and meros.

Cancer is a group of diseases involving abnormal cell growth with the potential to invade or spread to other parts of the body. Not all tumors are cancerous; benign tumors do not spread to other parts of the body. Possible signs and symptoms include a lump, abnormal bleeding, prolonged cough, unexplained weight loss and a change in bowel movements. While these symptoms may indicate cancer, they may have other causes. Over 100 cancers affect humans.