The Cell Cycle and Mitosis

The Cell Cycle
and Mitosis
The cell cycle is the series of events that take place in a
cell leading to its division and duplication (replication) of
its DNA (DNA replication) to produce two daughter cells. It
is a highly regulated process that ensures the faithful
transmission of genetic information from one generation
to the next. The cell cycle can be divided into two main
phases: interphase, during which the cell grows and
copies its chromosomes, and the mitotic (M) phase,
during which the cell divides its chromosomes and
by BENNY
cytoplasm CALLO
to form two daughter cells.
Phases of the Cell Cycle
1 G1 Phase
The first gap phase (G1) is a period of cell growth and activity in which the
cell increases its size and produces new proteins and organelles. This
phase is also important for the cell to make sure that the environment is
right for DNA synthesis to occur. During G1, the cell decides if it will
progress through the rest of the cell cycle and divide or if it will enter a
resting phase, which is called G0.
2 S Phase
The synthesis phase (S) is the period during which the cell replicates its
DNA. This is a complex process that ensures that each daughter cell
receives a complete copy of the genome. In preparation for cell division,
the DNA is packaged into chromosomes. The S phase is also critical for the
cell to make sure that the replication process has been completed
accurately before moving to the next phase.
3 G2 Phase
The second gap phase (G2) is a period of continued growth and

preparation for mitosis. During this phase, the cell continues to grow and
produce proteins. The cell also checks its DNA for errors and makes any
necessary repairs. If there are any errors that are not repaired, the cell
may enter a checkpoint to ensure that it doesn't divide before fixing the
errors. The cell must make sure that everything is ready for mitosis to
proceed correctly.
Interphase
1 Growth 2 DNA Replication

The cell grows and The cell replicates its
increases in size, DNA, ensuring that
synthesizing new each daughter cell
proteins and receives a complete
organelles. This is a copy of the genome.
critical phase for the During this stage, the
cell to prepare for DNA cell's DNA is copied,
replication. and the chromosomes
Preparation for Mitosis condense.
3
The cell continues to grow and produce proteins
necessary for mitosis. It also checks its DNA for errors
and makes any necessary repairs. During this phase, the
cell prepares for the division of its chromosomes and
cytoplasm.
Mitosis
Mitosis is a type of cell division that results in two daughter cells that are genetically
identical to the parent cell. This process is essential for growth, repair, and development.
Mitosis can be divided into four distinct phases:
Prophase
In prophase, the chromosomes condense and become visible. The nuclear
envelope breaks down, and the mitotic spindle begins to form. The mitotic
spindle is a structure made of microtubules that will separate the
chromosomes.
Metaphase
In metaphase, the chromosomes line up along the equator of the cell, with
each chromosome attached to a spindle fiber from opposite poles of the
cell. The spindle fibers, which are made of microtubules, help to align the
chromosomes at the center of the cell.
Anaphase
In anaphase, the sister chromatids of each chromosome are pulled apart by
the spindle fibers and move to opposite poles of the cell. This separation
ensures that each daughter cell receives a complete set of chromosomes.
Telophase
In telophase, the chromosomes reach the opposite poles of the cell, and the
nuclear envelope reforms around each set of chromosomes. The spindle
fibers disappear, and the cytoplasm divides. This process, called
Prophase
Chromosomes Condense Nuclear Envelope Breaks Down
The replicated chromosomes The nuclear envelope, which
condense into compact structures surrounds the nucleus, breaks down
that are visible under a microscope. into small vesicles. This allows the
This allows for the chromosomes to spindle fibers to access the
be easily separated during the later chromosomes and begin the process
stages of mitosis. The process of of separating them. The breakdown of
condensation ensures that each the nuclear envelope allows the
chromosome is organized and spindle fibers to attach to the
packaged properly, making it easier chromosomes and initiate the
to divide. movement of the chromosomes
towards the poles of the cell.
Spindle Forms
The mitotic spindle begins to form from the centrosomes, which are structures
located near the nucleus. The spindle fibers, which are made of microtubules,
extend from the centrosomes and will attach to the chromosomes. This microtubule
network is responsible for pulling apart the chromosomes, ensuring that each
daughter cell receives a full set of genetic information.
Metaphase
Chromosomes Line Up The chromosomes line up along the
equator of the cell, forming the
metaphase plate. This ensures that
each daughter cell receives one copy
of each chromosome. The alignment of
the chromosomes at the metaphase
plate is essential for ensuring that each
daughter cell receives a complete set
Spindle Fibers Attach The spindle fibers attach to the
of chromosomes.
centromere of each chromosome. The
centromere is the region of the
chromosome where the sister
chromatids are joined together. This
ensures that the sister chromatids are
pulled apart during anaphase, resulting
in the proper separation of
chromosomes.
Anaphase
Sister Chromatids Separate Chromosomes Move to Poles
The sister chromatids of each chromosome are The separated sister chromatids, now referred
pulled apart by the spindle fibers. The spindle to as chromosomes, move to opposite poles of
fibers are made of microtubules that attach to the cell. This ensures that each daughter cell
the centromeres of the chromosomes. The receives a complete set of chromosomes. The
shortening of the spindle fibers pulls the sister movement of chromosomes to the poles is
chromatids apart, ensuring that each daughter driven by the shortening of the spindle fibers
cell receives one copy of each chromosome. and the interaction of the chromosomes with
the microtubules.
Telophase
Nuclear Envelope Reforms

The nuclear envelope reforms around each set of chromosomes, creating two distinct
nuclei. This is an important step in the process of creating two new cells. The nuclear
envelope acts as a barrier that separates the genetic material from the cytoplasm,
ensuring the integrity of the chromosomes and their proper function.
Chromosomes Uncondense
The chromosomes begin to decondense, returning to their less condensed state. This
allows the genetic material to be more accessible for the processes of gene expression
and replication. The process of decondensation is essential for the proper functioning of
the chromosomes in the newly formed daughter cells.
Cytoplasm Divides
The cytoplasm divides, resulting in two distinct daughter cells, each with its own nucleus
and a full set of chromosomes. This process, known as cytokinesis, marks the end of
mitosis and the creation of two new cells. The division of the cytoplasm is essential for

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The Cell Cycle

The second gap phase (G2) is a period of continued growth and

1 Growth 2 DNA Replication

Nuclear Envelope Reforms

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