Cell Cycle and DNA Replication

Cell Cycle

Cell Cycle

The series of events that take place in a cell leading to its division and duplication to produce more cells. It consists of interphase, mitosis, and cytokinesis.

Interphase

The phase in the cell cycle when the cell grows, carries out its normal functions, and prepares for cell division. It includes G1, S, and G2 phases.

Mitosis

The process of cell division in which a parent cell divides into two genetically identical daughter cells, each containing the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell.

Cytokinesis

The final stage of cell division, during which the cytoplasm is divided and two daughter cells are formed.

G1 Phase

The first phase of interphase, during which the cell grows and carries out its routine functions.

S Phase

The phase of interphase when the cell's DNA is replicated, ensuring that each daughter cell receives an identical copy of the genetic material.

G2 Phase

The phase of interphase when the cell prepares for mitosis by synthesizing proteins and duplicating organelles.

Prophase

The first stage of mitosis, characterized by the condensation of chromatin into chromosomes and the appearance of spindle fibers.

Metaphase

The stage of mitosis during which the replicated chromosomes align along the cell's equator, ready to be separated into the daughter cells.

Anaphase

The stage of mitosis when the sister chromatids are pulled apart by the spindle fibers and move towards opposite poles of the cell.

Telophase

The final stage of mitosis, during which the chromosomes arrive at the poles of the cell, the nuclear envelope reforms, and the chromosomes begin to uncoil.

Cancer

A group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and division, often caused by genetic mutations.

DNA Replication

The process of producing two identical replicas of DNA from one original DNA molecule, ensuring accurate transmission of genetic information during cell division.

Semiconservative DNA Replication

The mechanism by which DNA is replicated, where each new DNA molecule consists of one original strand and one newly synthesized strand.

DNA Helicase

An enzyme responsible for unwinding the DNA double helix during DNA replication by breaking the hydrogen bonds between complementary base pairs.

DNA Polymerase

An enzyme that synthesizes new DNA strands by adding nucleotides to the growing DNA molecule during DNA replication.

Chromosome

A thread-like structure composed of DNA and proteins, carrying genetic information in the form of genes.

Sister Chromatid

One of the two identical copies of a replicated chromosome, joined at the centromere, which are separated during cell division.

Centromere

The region of a chromosome to which the microtubules of the spindle attach during cell division.