The most important things that you should know about the cell cycle

Animal cells form a cleavage furrow during cytokinesis whereas plant cells form a cell plate
instead

DNA replication is necessary so that the daughter cells have all of the genetic information
needed to survive

The M phase alternates with Interphase and cytokinesis is the shortest part of the cell cycle

Metaphase is the longest phase because the chromatids need to meet at the metaphase plate
before splitting

Interphase is important for cell division because this is when the cell grows and DNA replicates

Interphase consists of the G1, S, G2 phases. Mitosis consists of Prophase, Metaphase,
Anaphase, Telophase followed by cytokinesis

Shape of the spindle is related to its function which is separation of chromatids during anaphase
The most important things that you should know about control of the cell cycle

The passing of theG1 checkpoint allows for cell division.(checking for proper cell size)

Synthesis of cyclin begins in the late S phase and continues through G2 and accumulates, binds
with Cdk to form MPF

Density dependent inhibition prevents the overgrowth of cells

Protein kinases and cyclins play an important role in regulation of the cell cycle. Kinases
phosphorylate other proteins to activate or deactivate and cyclins bind with these kinases to
activate them.

If cells do not get the go ahead signal at the restriction point they will enter the G0 phase.