Cell Cycle
The cell cycle is a regular pattern of growth, DNA duplication, and cell division that occurs in eukaryotic cells. There are four main steps in the cell cycle.
Interphase, Gap 1 (G1), Synthesis (S), Gap 2 (G2), and Mitosis (M).
- Interphase is the phase of the cell cycle in which the cell spends the majority of its time and performs the majority of its purposes including preparation for cell division. In preparation for cell division, it increases its size and makes a copy of its DNA. Interphase consist Gap 1, Synthesis, and Gap 2.
- Gap 1 (G1) is the first step in the cell cycle. It is the also the first step of the interphase. The main function in G1 is to continue to do their normal cell function and to get ready for the next step, Synthesis (S).
- Synthesis (S) is the next step after Gap 1. In step S the cell puts together a whole copy of its nuclear DNA. After the end of the step there should be two complete sets of DNA in the cell's nucleus.
- After Synthesis (S) the next step is Gap 2 (G2). In Gap 2 cells grow and continue their normal cell function. When the cell is healthy enough it can continue to the next step, Mitosis (M).
- Mitosis (M) has 4 main stages Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, and Telophase. Mitosis is when the division of the cell nucleus and the DNA inside it. Cytokinesis is the division of the contents of the rest of the cell. Cytokinesis is a quick part after Mitosis.
Interphase, Gap 1 (G1), Synthesis (S), Gap 2 (G2), and Mitosis (M).
- Interphase is the phase of the cell cycle in which the cell spends the majority of its time and performs the majority of its purposes including preparation for cell division. In preparation for cell division, it increases its size and makes a copy of its DNA. Interphase consist Gap 1, Synthesis, and Gap 2.
- Gap 1 (G1) is the first step in the cell cycle. It is the also the first step of the interphase. The main function in G1 is to continue to do their normal cell function and to get ready for the next step, Synthesis (S).
- Synthesis (S) is the next step after Gap 1. In step S the cell puts together a whole copy of its nuclear DNA. After the end of the step there should be two complete sets of DNA in the cell's nucleus.
- After Synthesis (S) the next step is Gap 2 (G2). In Gap 2 cells grow and continue their normal cell function. When the cell is healthy enough it can continue to the next step, Mitosis (M).
- Mitosis (M) has 4 main stages Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, and Telophase. Mitosis is when the division of the cell nucleus and the DNA inside it. Cytokinesis is the division of the contents of the rest of the cell. Cytokinesis is a quick part after Mitosis.