Cell Cycle

Cell cycle

The series of stages a cell goes through as it grows, prepares for division, and divides.

Main parts of the cell cycle

Interphase and cell division.

Interphase

The stage of the cell cycle where the cell grows, carries out normal functions, and prepares for division.

Stages of interphase

G1 phase, S phase, and G2 phase.

G1 phase

The cell grows in size and carries out its normal functions.

Does DNA replicate during G1?

No, DNA replication does not occur during G1.

S phase

Synthesis phase, when DNA replication occurs.

What happens to chromosomes during S phase?

Each chromosome is copied, producing two sister chromatids.

G2 phase

The cell continues to grow and prepares for mitosis.

Does DNA replicate during G2?

No, DNA replication has already been completed.

Mitosis

Nuclear division in which the nucleus divides.

Cytokinesis

Cytoplasmic division in which the cytoplasm divides to form separate cells.

Difference between mitosis and cytokinesis

Mitosis divides the nucleus, while cytokinesis divides the cytoplasm.

Role of centrioles

They help organize structures that pull chromosomes apart during cell division.

Cell plate

A structure that forms during cytokinesis in plant cells and separates the two new cells.

What does the cell plate become?

It develops into a new cell wall separating the two daughter cells.

G1 memory trick

Grow.

S memory trick

Synthesize DNA.

G2 memory trick

Get ready for mitosis.

Order of the cell cycle

G1 → S → G2 → Mitosis → Cytokinesis.

What is the main purpose of the cell cycle?

To allow cells to grow, copy their DNA, and divide to produce new cells.