Cell Cycle

The cell cycle is the series of events that a cell goes through as it grows and divides into two daughter cells. It consists of two main stages: the interphase and the mitotic phase.

In this article, you will learn about the Cell Cycle & its stage: interphase and the mitotic phase.

Interphase

Interphase is the longest stage of the cell cycle and is divided into three sub-stages: G1, S, and G2.

• G1 (Gap 1): During G1, the cell grows and carries out normal cellular activities, such as protein synthesis and metabolic processes. The cell also checks for DNA damage and ensures that it has enough resources to proceed with replication. Cell organelles also duplicate in this phase.

• S (Synthesis): During S, DNA replication occurs. This stage is characterized by replicating the cell’s DNA in preparation for cell division. DNA replication is a complex process involving the unwinding of the double-stranded DNA helix and separating the two strands.

• G2 (Gap 2): During G2, the cell checks for DNA damage that might have occurred during replication. If the cell finds damage, it can repair the DNA before entering mitosis. The cell also ensures that the chromosomes are properly replicated and ready for division. The protein and enzyme are responsible for cell division and spindle formation synthesize in this phase.

Interphase is an essential stage in the cell cycle as it provides the cell with the necessary resources and information to ensure proper cell division. The cell checks for DNA damage and makes repairs replicates its DNA and prepares for the next stage of cell division. Any errors or problems in this stage can lead to abnormal cell division and potentially cause serious health problems.

Mitotic Stage

The mitotic stage is the stage of the cell cycle in which a cell divides into two daughter cells. This stage is characterized by the division of the cell’s chromosomes and cytoplasm. The mitotic stage consists of four main stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.

• Prophase: During prophase, the chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes. The chromosomes become thicker and more easily visible under a microscope. The spindle fibers, made up of microtubules, begin forming and attaching to the chromosomes. The nuclear membrane also gets dissolved in the cytoplasm.
• Metaphase: During metaphase, the chromosomes align at the center of the cell. This is accomplished by the spindle fibers, which pull the chromosomes to the center of the cell. The chromosomes line up in a single plane, called the metaphase plate. This is the best phase to study the chromosome’s structure.
• Anaphase: During anaphase, the chromosomes separate and move to opposite poles of the cell. The spindle fibers pull the chromosomes apart, separating them into two sets.
• Telophase: The cell membrane pinches inward during telophase, forming two separate daughter cells. The chromosomes begin to decondense and become less visible as the new cell membranes form.
• Cytokinesis is the final stage of the mitotic phase, where the division of the cytoplasm is completed to form two separate daughter cells. 

The mitotic stage is a tightly regulated process that ensures proper chromosome segregation and equal distribution of genetic material to the daughter cells. Any errors or disruptions during the mitotic stage can lead to chromosomal abnormalities and potentially cause serious health problems.

Cell Cycle FAQS

Grade 6 Science Worksheets

• Inquiry process
• Nature of Science
• Scientific Inquiry
• Inquiry, Analysis and Problem Solving
• Ethical Practices
• Science and Society
• Biotic and Abiotic Factors
• Impact of Organisms
• Adaptation
• Spheres of Earth
• Natural Resources
• Environmental Issues
• Conservation of Earth
• Understanding Technology
• Abilities To Do Technological Design
• Structure of Earth
• Solar System
• Rocks and Fossils
• Earth Systems
• Plate Tectonics
• Evolution
• Magnetic Field of Earth
• Geologic Time
• Materials and Processes That Shape a Planet
• Astronomy
• Ecology
• Energy
• Kinetic and Potential Energy
• Energy Transfer
• Matter and its Structure
• States of Matter
• Physical and Chemical Changes
• Force and Motion
• Electricity and Magnetism
• Wave Interactions
• Sound
• Light
• Introduction to Life Science
• The Origin & History of Life On Earth
• Plant and Animal Cells
• Parts of a Cell
• The Cell Cycle
• How Living Organisms Get Energy
• Classification of Organisms
• How Plants Grow & Reproduce
• The Human Respiratory System
• The Human Cardiovascular System
• The Human Digestive System
• The Human Endocrine Systems
• The Human Nervous System
• The Human Muscular System
• The Human Skeletal System

Grade 6 Math Worksheets

• Probability
• Ratio
• Sequence & Patterns
• Division Word Problems  (New)
• Solving two step equations (New)
• One Step Equation  (New)
• Place Value  (New)
• Two Step Equation  (New)
• To convert percents to decimals and vice versa  (New)
• To convert Percents to Fractions and vice versa  (New)