Cell Cycle Explanation

Cells are the main ingredient in all living organisms, and can exist independently to become single celled creatures, or work together to form tissues, organs and entire creatures. The nucleus, the center of the cell, stores genetic information and is surrounded by cytoplasm. The complete cell is encased with a cell wall (as in plants) or a cell membrane ( as in humans and animals). The cell cycle describes the way a cell divides and replicates.

Interphase

The original cell is called the "mother" cell, which matures and collects nutrients during the interphase of the cell cycle. The interphase stage is divided into three sub-stages: Gap 1, Synthesis and Gap 2.

Gap 1

The cell acquires enzymes required for DNA replication during the Gap 1 phase.

Synthesis

In the Synthesis, or S phase, genetic information inside of the cell doubles to create two sets of identical chromosomes.

Gap 2

The final stage of cellular interphase is the Gap 2 phase. The cell produces microtubles during this phase which are needed for mitosis.

Mitosis

The second stage of the cell cycle is mitosis. The chromosomes in the nucleus separate during mitosis, creating one cell with two "daughter" nuclei.

Cytokinesis

The third stage of a cell cycle is cytokinesis. During this stage, the cell divides completely to create two daughter cells which are new cells entirely independent of the original mother cell.

References

• University of Arizona
• University of Winipeg Canada
• University of Wisconsin

Resources

• Cancerquest.org