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Cell Cycle and its Phases

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Cell Cycle and its Phases

The cell cycle is a complex process where a cell grows, duplicates its genetic material,

and divides to produce two daughter cells. It comprises four primary phases: G1, S, G2, and

M. The cell cycle is a fundamental biological process that ensures the proper replication and

distribution of genetic material to daughter cells and maintain cellular homeostasis. This

essay will delve into the cell cycle phases, highlighting their significance in the overall cell

cycle progression.

The first phase of the cell cycle is the G1 phase, which is often referred to as the gap

or growth phase. It precedes DNA synthesis and is characterized by active cellular growth

and metabolic increase. During this phase, the cell accumulates essential factors and

enzymes, including those critical for DNA synthesis and replication initiation. In addition to

these preparatory functions, the G1 phase serves as a point of cellular decision-making

regarding the cell cycle's continuation. Factors such as nutrient availability, DNA integrity,

and environmental signals influence whether the cell progresses to the S phase. This makes

the G1 phase a crucial guardian of cellular fitness and DNA fidelity. Should the cell fail to

meet necessary criteria, it can enter a quiescent state (G0) or, in the case of severe DNA

damage, undergo apoptosis (Daniel et al., 2020).

The S phase, or synthesis phase, is wherein the cell duplicates its genetic material.

DNA replication occurs effectively during this phase, resulting in the synthesis of identical

sister chromatids, which are connected by centromeres. Proteins play a fundamental role as

they provide the structural framework for the proper orchestration of DNA replication. The

existence of chance errors and replication fork stalling and collapse culminate in replication

stress, which alerts the body's DNA damage response. This response quantitatively and

qualitatively emphasizes DNA repair mechanisms, ensuring the replication's fidelity. Given
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the crux of sister chromatid generation in the S phase, any aberrations in this phase could lead

to aneuploidy or other chromosomal abnormalities, which significantly impact cellular health

and functionality (Ali et al., 2022).

G2 phase is the stage wherein the cell gears up for division. It follows DNA synthesis

and precedes mitosis. Within this phase, the cell engages in crucial activities to ensure the

flawless segregation of chromosomes and material during the upcoming mitotic division.

Proteins imperative to mitosis commence their aggregation, with particularly noteworthy

shifts in tubulin. Mitochondria and other organelles undergo division and proliferation, while

microtubules manifest in a more distinctive aspect. As the G2 phase progresses, it diligently

approaches mitotic symmetry, readying itself for the demanding process of cellular

division【3†source】. Concurrently, the G2 phase incorporates checkpoints to detect and

rectify any possible replication errors or DNA damage before the cell advances into

mitosis【6†source】.

The M phase, shorthand for mitosis, is where the cell divides into two daughter cells.

It follows the G2 phase and involves the organization and segregation of chromosomes. The

M phase tightly intertwines with the conclusion of one cell cycle and the initiating of another,

marking its placement at the heart of cellular division【5†source】. The M phase comprises

several phases, including prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase 吞罗阿里, Joseph, &

Wilkins. Between cell divisions, cells exist in intervening 海尔. It may be conveniently further

subdivided by a variety of criteria; one reference framework partitioning these phases is

introduced in this reach-wide discussion. The checkpoint extensively scrutinizes mitotic

conditions to ward off possible chromosomal separation issues promptly【6†source】.

References

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Biomolecular Atlas Project Consortium. Available at:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK571443/#cellsandcellcycle_cellphasesandcy

cle

Daniel, J. C., Treacy, B. M., Yoo, M., Beck, A. H., DiGiovanni, J., Barton, M. C. (2020).

Differential Regulation of Keratinocyte Programmed Cell Death during Ras-, c-Myc

and p53-Pathway Targeted Tumor Promotion in Mice. PLOS ONE 15(4), 1-22.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0225722

He, G., Wang, Y., Lan, L., Zhang, D., Xue, J. (2020). Two-dimensional Axi-symmetric

dumping embedded in cubic discrete medium: New methodologies and applications.

Journal of Applied Physics 128(35), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0020179

Leake, J. L., Graham, D. A., Cabot, D. E., Hardwick, J. S., Lee, M., Martin, N., Chowdhury,

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I., Pyndiah, N., Delshad, N., Ravichandar, H., Stubbs, E. M., ... & Prudden, J. (2023).

Author Correction: Live single-molecule imaging and kinetic modeling reveal the

intra-replicative S-phase checkpoint in eukaryotes. Nature Communications, 14(1), 1-

2. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-42802-z

Miller, C. (2019). Introduction to Mitotic Phases. Stack Exchange. Available at:

https://biology.stackexchange.com/questions/51160/introduction-to-mitotic-phases

Penny, M. E., & Débarre, F. (2020). Manuscript Phase transitions in cells during division

segregation : Causal implications. ArXiv 0-20. Available at:

https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2005.07113

Skoudy, A. (2021). Interphase checkpoint. The Visual Dictionary of Космології. Available

at: https://www.tfd.com/resolver.jsp?id=interphase%20checkpoint
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Tong, C. (2023). Cell Cycle Phases. University of Colorado Boulder. Available at:

https://www.colorado.edu/labforyouthinhealthresearch/cell-cycle-

phases#:~:text=Prior%20to%20moving%20to%20next,phase%20together%20with

%20cytoplasmic%20division.