The Cell Life Cycle

A somatic cell spends most of its functional life in

Interphase

Interphase

the stage in the life of a cell during which the chromosomes are uncoiled and all normal cellular functions except mitosis are occurring

What are the stages of interphase, in order?

G0, G1, S, G2, and M

G₀ Phase

When a cell is performing all normal cell functions and is not preparing for division

G₁ Phase

the cell manufactures enough cellular material to make two functional cells

S Phase

when the cell duplicates its chromosomes; involves DNA replication and the synthesis of histones and other proteins in the nucleus

G₂ Phase

the part of the cell cycle in which proteins are synthesized

Prophase

the initial stage of mitosis in which chromosomes become visible, the nuclear membrane breaks down, and the spindle apparatus is formed

Metaphase

a stage of mitosis in which the chromosomes line up along the middle of the cell

Anaphase

The mitotic stage in which the paired chromatids separate and move towards opposite ends of the spindle apparatus

Telophase

The final stage of mitosis in which the spindle apparatus disappears, the nuclear membrane reforms, and the chromosomes disappear

Cytokinesis

the formal separation of the two daughter cells

True or false: The longer the life-span of a cell, the faster its mitotic rate.

False