Module 4-The Cell's Life Cycle

MODULE 4
The Cell’s Life Cycle

The cell life cycle is the series of changes a cell goes through from the time it is formed until it divides.
The cycle has two significant periods: interphase, in which the cell grows and carries on its usual
metabolic activities, and cell division, during which it reproduces itself. Although the term interphase
might lead you to believe that it is merely a resting time between the phases of cell division, this is not
the case. During interphase, which is by far the longest phase of the cell cycle, the cell is very active and
is preparing for cell division. A more accurate name for interphase would be a metabolic phase.
The function of cell division is to produce more cells for growth and repair processes. Because all body
cells must have the same genetic material, an important event always precedes cell
division: The DNA molecule (the genetic material)
is duplicated precisely in a process called DNA replication. This occurs toward the end of interphase
Life Cycles are circular patterns of an organism’s life histories. For example, the life cycle of a
human includes conception, development, adulthood, reproduction, then fertilization, and so
forth again for the offspring. Likewise, individual body cells are formed, they reproduce, and
their daughter cells continue the cycle of life.
In this module, we will explore the significant events of the human cell’s life cycle.
Learning Objectives
When you finish this exercise, you should be able to

1. List the significant phases of a cell’s life cycle
2. Describe the principal events of mitosis
3. Identify the cell parts involved in mitosis
4. Define cytokinesis
Introduction to the Cell Life Cycle
In all cells other than bacteria and some cells of the reproductive system, cell division consists of
two events. Mitosis or division of the nucleus occurs first. The second event is a division of the
cytoplasm, cytokinesis
which begins when mitosis is nearly completed.
Stages of MITOSIS
Interphase
o Interphase is the portion of the cell cycle that is not accompanied by observable
changes under the microscope and includes the G1, S, and G2 phases. During
interphase, the cell grows (G1), replicates its DNA (S), and prepares for mitosis (G2).
Prophase
o Prophase is the first phase of mitosis, the process that separates the duplicated genetic
material carried in the nucleus of a parent cell into two identical daughter cells. During
prophase, the complex of DNA and proteins contained in the nucleus, known as
chromatin, condenses.
Metaphase
o Metaphase is a stage of mitosis in which chromosomes are at their second-most
condensed and coiled stage. These chromosomes, carrying genetic information, align in
the equator of the cell before being separated into each of the two daughter cells.
Anaphase
o is the stage of mitosis after the process of metaphase, when replicated chromosomes
are split, and the newly-copied chromosomes (daughter chromatids) are moved to
opposite poles of the cell.
Telophase
o Telophase is the fifth and final phase of mitosis, the process that separates the
duplicated genetic material carried in the nucleus of a parent cell into two identical
daughter cells. Telophase begins once the replicated, paired chromosomes have been
separated and pulled to opposite sides or poles of the cell.
The length of time between divisions and the time required for cell division to take place varies
from cell to cell. Even the relative length of different phases varies among individual cells. Cell
division can range from 20 minutes to several hours
Cytokinesis, or the division of the cytoplasm, usually begins during late anaphase and completes
during telophase. A contractile ring made of microfilaments forms a cleavage furrow over the
midline of the spindle, and it eventually squeezes or pinches, the original cytoplasm mass into
two parts. Thus, at the end of cell division, two daughter cells exist.
Figure 4.2 Stages of Mitosis

Source: https://www.shutterstock.com/search/mitosis
Activity 4
The Cell’s Life Cycle

Name: Date:
Section: Score:
A. Label appropriately the mitotic stages below
B. Complete the table below
Stages of Mitotic Division Events
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
7.
8.
C. Fill-in
Provide the name of each mitotic phase
1. Do the centrioles move towards opposite poles during ?

2. During , the nuclear membrane disintegrates.
3. Does the nuclear membrane reappear during ?
4. The last phase of mitosis is .
5. During the chromosomes align at the cell’s equator
6. Cytokinesis usually begins during of mitosis
7. The first phase of mitosis is .
8. During the chromatids separate and moved towards opposite poles.
9. Do spindle fibers appear during ?
10. Mitosis ends with
D. Multiple Choice
1. The function of mitosis is
a. To distribute the cell’s DNA equally between the daughter cells.
b. To divide the cytoplasm equally between the daughter cells.
c. To distribute the parents’ cell’s organelles evenly.
d. All of the above
e. E. none of the above
2. The chromosomes of daughter cells formed during mitosis
a. are double the number of those in the parent cell
b. are identical to the chromosomes of the other daughter
c. are half the number of those in the parent cell
d. b and c
e. a and d
3. Which of these cells is likely to have been formed using mitosis
a. skin cell
b. sperm cell
c. egg cell
d. heart muscle cell
e. a and d
4. A certain stain colors DNA violet. When stained, which of these should appear violet?
a. chromatin d. a and b
b. chromosomes e. all of the above
c. chromatids
5. Two DNA molecules joined at a centromere have coiled to form two tiny bodies.
This connected pair of DNA molecules should properly be called
a. centromere d. chromatid
b. centriole e. chromatin strand
c. chromosome

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MODULE 4

The Cell’s Life Cycle

division: The DNA molecule (the genetic material)

When you finish this exercise, you should be able to

Introduction to the Cell Life Cycle

Figure 4.2 Stages of Mitosis

The Cell’s Life Cycle

A. Label appropriately the mitotic stages below

B. Complete the table below

Stages of Mitotic Division Events

1. Do the centrioles move towards opposite poles during ?

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