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Lesson 5 - Cell Cycle

The cell cycle is a series of events involving cell growth and division that results in two identical daughter cells, consisting of interphase and the mitotic phase. Interphase includes G1, S, and G2 phases where the cell grows, replicates DNA, and prepares for division, while the M phase involves mitosis and cytokinesis to separate the DNA and cytoplasm. Cells may exit the cycle into a resting state called G0, depending on their type and division rate.

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13 views4 pages

Lesson 5 - Cell Cycle

The cell cycle is a series of events involving cell growth and division that results in two identical daughter cells, consisting of interphase and the mitotic phase. Interphase includes G1, S, and G2 phases where the cell grows, replicates DNA, and prepares for division, while the M phase involves mitosis and cytokinesis to separate the DNA and cytoplasm. Cells may exit the cycle into a resting state called G0, depending on their type and division rate.

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Chloe Faith Sinay
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READING MATERIALS IN SCIENCE 8

THE CELL CYCLE


The cell cycle is an ordered series of events involving cell growth and cell division that produces
two new daughter cells. Cells on the path to cell division proceed through a series of precisely
timed and carefully regulated stages of growth, DNA replication, and division that produces two
identical (clone) cells. The cell cycle has two major phases: interphase and the mitotic phase
(Figure 1). During interphase, the cell grows and DNA is replicated. During the mitotic phase, the
replicated DNA and cytoplasmic contents are separated, and the cell divides.

Figure 1. The Cell Cycle

Interphase
During interphase, the cell undergoes normal growth processes while also preparing for cell
division. In order for a cell to move from interphase into the mitotic phase, many internal and
external conditions must be met. The three stages of interphase are called G 1, S, and G2.
G1 Phase (First Gap)
G1 phase, also called the first gap phase, the cell grows physically larger, copies organelles, and
makes the molecular building blocks it will need in later steps.
S Phase

Throughout interphase, nuclear DNA remains in a semi-condensed chromatin configuration. In


the S phase, DNA replication can proceed through the mechanisms that result in the formation of
identical pairs of DNA molecules—sister chromatids—that are firmly attached to the centromeric
region. The centrosome is duplicated during the S phase. The two centrosomes will give rise to
the mitotic spindle, the apparatus that orchestrates the movement of chromosomes during
mitosis. At the center of each animal cell, the centrosomes of animal cells are associated with a
pair of rod-like objects, the centrioles, which are at right angles to each other. Centrioles help
organize cell division. Centrioles are not present in the centrosomes of other eukaryotic species,
such as plants and most fungi.
G2 Phase (Second Gap)
During the second gap phase, or G2 phase, the cell grows more, makes proteins and organelles,
and begins to reorganize its contents in preparation for mitosis. G2 phase ends when mitosis
begins.
M phase
During the mitotic (M) phase, the cell divides its copied DNA and cytoplasm to make two new
cells. M phase involves two distinct division-related processes: mitosis and cytokinesis.
In mitosis, the nuclear DNA of the cell condenses into visible chromosomes and is pulled apart
by the mitotic spindle, a specialized structure made out of microtubules. Mitosis takes place in
four stages: prophase (sometimes divided into early prophase and prometaphase), metaphase,
anaphase, and telophase.
In cytokinesis, the cytoplasm of the cell is split in two, making two new cells. Cytokinesis usually
begins just as mitosis is ending, with a little overlap. Importantly, cytokinesis takes place differently
in animal and plant cells.
Cell cycle exit and G0
What happens to the two daughter cells produced in one round of the cell cycle? This depends
on what type of cells they are. Some types of cells divide rapidly, and in these cases, the daughter
cells may immediately undergo another round of cell division. For instance, many cell types in an
early embryo divide rapidly, and so do cells in a tumor.
Other types of cells divide slowly or not at all. These cells may exit the G1 phase and enter a
resting state called G0 phase. In G0, a cell is not actively preparing to divide, it’s just doing its job.
For instance, it might conduct signals as a neuron, or store carbohydrates as a liver cell. G0 is a
permanent state for some cells, while others may re-start division if they get the right signals.
Name: _________________________________________ Section and Date: _____________
WORKSHEET ON CELL CYCLE, MITOSIS, AND MEIOSIS
ACTIVITY 1: CYCLICAL LABEL
Instructions: Label the parts of the cell cycle. Choose from the box below.

G1 PHASE S PHASE
M PHASE G2 PHASE

ACTIVITY 2: STAGE SHUFFLE!


Instructions: Identify the stage of the cell cycle being described by the statement below.
ANSWER STATEMENT CELL CYCLE STAGE
1. The cell grows and copies its organelles while A. S Phase
getting ready to duplicate its genetic material.
2. The cell synthesizes a complete copy of its B. G2 Phase
DNA.
3. The cell prepares for mitosis by making more C. M Phase
proteins and growing in size.
4. The cell undergoes mitosis, dividing its D. G1 Phase
nucleus and cytoplasm to form daughter cells.

EVALUATION
Instructions: Encircle the letter of the correct answer on your answer sheet.
1. Which of the following is the correct sequence of stages in the cell cycle?
A) G1 → G2 → S → M
B) G1 → S → G2 → M
C) S → G1 → M → G2
D) M → G1 → G2 → S

2. A scientist looks at a cell under a microscope. The chromosomes have copied themselves, but you can’t see
them yet. The nucleus is still whole. What phase is the cell in?
A) G1 Phase
B) Metaphase
C) Prophase
D) S Phase

3. A cell is observed to have a normal amount of DNA, and mitosis has not yet begun. The cell is also actively
producing proteins and organelles. Which phase of the cell cycle is the cell most likely in?
A) G1 Phase
B) G2 Phase
C) M Phase
D) S Phase

4. How does cell reproduction contribute to the continuity of life?


A) By ensuring cells stay the same size
B) By removing extra cells in an organism
C) By stopping cells from dividing too quickly
D) By creating new cells to replace old or damaged ones

5. Which of the following best describes what happens during the M phase?
A) The cell duplicates its DNA.
B) The cell prepares for DNA replication.
C) The cell produces proteins for growth
D) The cell divides its nucleus and cytoplasm to form two daughter cells.

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