Cell growth and division are important for the growth and reproduction of organisms, but how do cells grow? The cell cycle is the life cycle of a cell. Read this article to learn more about the cell cycle!
The cell cycle can be divided into the interphase and the mitotic phase. During the interphase, the cell grows and makes a copy of its DNA, the genetic material of a cell, then in the mitotic phase, the two identical copies of DNA are separated into two sets and two new cells are formed.
Interphase
There are three major phases in the interphase - G1 phase, S phase, and G2 phase. During the G1 phase, the cell grows and copies its organelles; in the S phase, DNA replicates; then, in the G2 phase, the cell continues to grow, and begins to prepare for mitosis. Mitosis begins when the G2 phase ends.
Mitosis
The mitotic phase can be further divided into prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.
Prophase: in the prophase, the cell starts to break down some structures and build others up. Chromosomes start to condense, and the mitotic spindle forms. Mitotic spindles will later play an important role in organizing the chromosomes and moving them around during cell division. At the same time, the nucleolus, the center of a nucleus, disappears, which is a sign that the nucleus is getting ready to break down.
Metaphase: In the metaphase, the mitotic spindles formed in prophase capture all the chromosomes and line them up at the middle of the cell. This gets the cell ready for the anaphase.
Anaphase: During the anaphase, the sister chromatids separate from each other and are pulled towards opposite ends of the cell.
Telophase: Lastly, in the telophase, the cell is nearly done dividing, so the mitotic spindles are broken down, the nuclei reform, and chromosomes begin to de-condense. Telophase is like the opposite of the prophase.
Mitosis is followed by cytokinesis, which is the division of the cytoplasm. After cytokinesis, two daughter cells are formed, marking the completion of one cell cycle.
Hope this article helped you learn more about the cell cycle! Thanks for reading!
Sources:
“Phases of Mitosis | Mitosis | Biology (Article).” Khan Academy, www.khanacademy.org/science/ap-biology/cell-communication-and-cell-cycle/cell-cycle/a/phases-of-mitosis. Accessed 6 Nov. 2021.
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