Cell cycle

🧬 CELL CYCLE

What is the Cell Cycle?

The cell cycle is a series of events that takes place as a cell grows and divides.

1. INTERPHASE

Interphase is when the cell grows, performs its normal functions, and prepares for cell division.

G1 Phase – Growth

- Cell grows larger

- Produces proteins

- Makes more organelles

- Carries out normal functions

S Phase – DNA Replication

- Cell copies its DNA

- DNA replication happens

G2 Phase – Preparation

- Cell continues growing

- Produces proteins needed for division

- Checks and repairs DNA when necessary

- Prepares structures involved in cell division

2. M PHASE

The M phase includes mitosis and cytokinesis.

MITOSIS

Mitosis is the process where a cell divides its duplicated DNA to form two genetically identical nuclei.

PMAT:

P – Prophase

- Chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes.

- Spindle fibers form.

M – Metaphase

- Chromosomes line up at the middle/equator of the cell.

A – Anaphase

- Sister chromatids separate.

- They move toward opposite sides of the cell.

T – Telophase

- Chromosomes reach opposite ends.

- Two new nuclear envelopes form.

CYTOKINESIS

- The cell's cytoplasm and organelles divide.

- This creates two separate, identical daughter cells.

🥚 MEIOSIS

Meiosis is a special type of cell division that makes sperm and egg cells with half the normal number of chromosomes.

MEIOSIS I

- Prophase I – Pair & Exchange

- Metaphase I – Line Up

- Anaphase I – Separate Pairs

- Telophase I – Two Nuclei

- Cytokinesis – Two Cells

MEIOSIS II

- Prophase II – Prepare Again

- Metaphase II – Line Up Again

- Anaphase II – Separate Sisters

- Telophase II + Cytokinesis – Four Cells

⭐ EASY TO REMEMBER

Interphase: G1 → S → G2

Mitosis: P → M → A → T

Meiosis I: 1 cell → 2 cells

Meiosis II: 2 cells → 4 cells