Chapter 17, Problem 10CR

Summary Introduction

To review:

The regulation of the cell cycle.

Introduction:

The cell cycle is classified as the interphase and the mitotic phase. Interphase is the longest period of the cell cycle. In this phase, cell growth, DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) replication and preparation for cell division occur. This stage is further divided in G_1, S and G₂ phase. G₁ phase or the first gap phase is the period between the last cell division and the DNA synthesis for the next cell division. The cell actively grows in this phase. S phase, also known as the synthesis phase, is the phase where the DNA is replicated. G₂ phase or the second gap phase is when the cell prepares for cell division. Further growth occurs in this phase.

The mitotic phase is shorter and contains two subphases, namely mitosis, and cytokinesis. During mitosis, the replicated DNA divides equally into two nuclei. In the cytokinesis, the cytoplasm finally divides in order to form two new daughter cells.