Cell Cycle Division Lecture Notes

Faculty of Medical Sciences
MDSC1201: Cell Biology
Cell Cycle and Division

Lecture Notes
Dr. N. Ojeh
•
Lecture Notes Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you should be able to:
• Describe the cell cycle

• Define mitosis and meiosis, and discuss the roles of
each in relation to the cell cycle
The cell cycle
 The cell cycle is the series of events that take place in a cell leading to
its division and duplication (replication) that produces two daughter cells.
 Cell division is usually a small segment of the cell cycle.
 Prokaryotes lack cell nuclei - cell cycle occurs via a process termed
binary fission.
 Eukaryotes posses cell nuclei - cell cycle can be divided into three
periods: interphase (resting phase), the mitotic (M) phase (dividing
phase), and cytokinesis (final stage).
 Interphase: cell grows, accumulating nutrients needed for mitosis
preparing it for cell division and duplicating its DNA.
 Mitotic phase: cell splits itself into two distinct daughter cells.
 Cytokinesis: the new cell is completely divided.
The cell cycle
 The stages of the cell cycle are G1-S-G2-M.
 The G1 stage stands for “GAP 1” and is the period preceding DNA replication. RNA
and proteins required for DNA synthesis are synthesised during this phase.
 The S stage stands for "Synthesis". DNA replication occurs during S phase.
 Following synthesis there is another period, the G2 or “GAP 2” phase before M or
“Mitosis”. RNA and proteins required for Mitosis are synthesised during this phase.
 The M stage stands for "mitosis", and is when nuclear (chromosomes separate)
and cytoplasmic (cytokinesis) division occur.
 Some cells that have stopped dividing permanently enter the G0 phase e.g. mature
neurons and others that have stopped temporarily can stay in G0 and re-enter the
G1 phase when they are ready to divide again.
Interphase
• G1 (resting; variable length)
• G0 ( for quiescent cells)
• S (DNA replication  tetraploid DNA content)
• G2 (second gap; approx 4-5 hrs)
The cell cycle
Mitosis
Resting phase (G1, S, G2)= Interphase
M= Dividing phase
DNA synthesis
The cell cycle Check Points
 The cell cycle is controlled at a series of check points
that prevent entry to the next phase until the preceding
phase has completed.
 2 classes of proteins that control the progress of a cell
through the cell cycle are the CYCLINS and CYCLIN
DEPENDENT KINASES (Cdk).
 Any mutations in these genes can give rise to
inappropriate control of cell cycle and cause mutations
and cancers.
Mitosis & Meiosis
Mitosis
 Mechanism of cell division leading to the production of two
identical daughter cells with exactly the same number of
chromosomes and DNA content as parent cell.
 Gives rise to a diploid number of chromosomes, that is 46
(i.e. 22 pairs of autosomes (not sex chromosomes) and 1
pair of sex chromosomes; XX in females; XY in males).
 Thought to be initiated by triggering factors in cytoplasm or
from other cells including various growth factors.
 Lasts 30-60 minutes.
 Division of nucleus (karyokinesis) and cytoplasm
(cytokinesis).
Mitosis
 4 major phases of mitosis. Interphase is not part of mitosis, but rather
encompasses stages G1, S, and G2 of the cell cycle. The cell is engaged in
metabolic activity and preparing for mitosis. Chromosomes are not clearly
discerned in the nucleus although the nucleolus may be visible. The cell may
contain a pair of centrioles both of which are organizational sites for
microtubules.
 As the cell leaves G2, mitosis begins with Prophase which is characterised by
condensation and shortening of chromosomes/formation of mitotic spindle cell
apparatus: centrosomes with intervening microtubules (breakdown of nuclear
membrane).
 Next phase is Metaphase and in this phase, the centromeres attach to centre of
apparatus.
 At Anaphase, the centromeres split and each half of chromosome i.e. the
chromatid move to opposite poles or side of the cell.
 The last phase is Telophase and here the nuclear membrane reforms and
finally the cell will divide to form 2 daughter cells. This is also known as
cytokinesis.
Mitosis
1. Interphase (G1, S, G2) 2. Prophase (exit from G2)
cytoplasm breakdown of
nuclear membrane
nucleolus
chromosomes condense
nucleus and breakdown of nucleolus
3. Metaphase 4. Anaphase
Mitotic spindle
(microtubules) centromeres split
pulling chromatids
condensed to opposite poles
chromosomes align
on metaphase plate
5. Telophase
contractile ring composed of actin

formation of daughter filaments tightens to divide
nuclei cells-cytokinesis
Mitosis
Why mitosis?
Growth - The number of cells within an organism

increases by mitosis and this is the basis of
growth in multicellular organisms.
Cell Replacement - Cells are constantly dying &

being replaced by new ones in the skin &
digestive tract. The new cells must be exact
copies of the cells being replaced so as to retain
normal function of cells.
Meiosis
 A specialised form of cell division occurring during
gametogenesis (ova and spermatozoa)
 2 stage process involving 2 divisions

meiosis I and meiosis II
 Production of 4 cells with half of the chromosome numbers
 Each gamete contains a haploid number of chromosomes

(23; 22 autosomes and one sex chromosome; X in ova and
either X or Y in spermatozoa). Pairing at fertilization will result
in restoration of the diploid number.
Meiosis
Centromere
Chiasma
• Crossover events are possible between maternally and

paternally derived chromosomal material
• Chiasmata = points of junction of the exchanged segments

Mitosis vs Meiosis
• One cell division • Two cell divisions
• Two daughter cells • Four daughter cells
• Chromosome number retained • Chromosome number halved
• No pairing of homologous • Pairing of homologous
chromosomes chromosomes
• No crossing-over
• Centromeres divide at • Crossing-over
anaphase. Sister chromatids • Centromeres do not divide at
separate anaphase I but only at anaphase
• Somatic cells II
• Preserves genotypes • Germ cells
• Promotes genetic variation
Web Information
http://www.biology.arizona.edu/cell_bio/cell_bio.html
http://facstaff.cbu.edu/~seisen/EukaryoticCellStructure.htm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0k-enzoeOM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCLmR9-YY7o

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Faculty of Medical Sciences

MDSC1201: Cell Biology

Cell Cycle and Division

• Describe the cell cycle

Resting phase (G1, S, G2)= Interphase

contractile ring composed of actin

Growth - The number of cells within an organism

Cell Replacement - Cells are constantly dying &

 2 stage process involving 2 divisions

 Production of 4 cells with half of the chromosome numbers

 Each gamete contains a haploid number of chromosomes

• Crossover events are possible between maternally and

• Chiasmata = points of junction of the exchanged segments

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