CELL CYCLE
“resting stage” because the cell isn't dividing
Characterized the phases of the cell cycle and their
control points
CELL CYCLE
 Cell cycle, the ordered sequence of events that
occur in a cell in preparation for cell division.
 It is an orderly set of stages that occurs
between the time eukaryotic cell divides and
the time the arising daughter cells also divide.
 They cell cycle is repeated pattern of growth
and division that occurs in eukaryotic cells.
KEY CONCEPT
Cells have distinct phases of growth, reproduction, and
normal functions.
STAGES OF CELL CYCLE
In order to divide, a cell must accomplish several tasks:
 It must grow
 copy its genetic material (DNA)
 split physically into two daughter cells
The cell cycle is a regular pattern of growth, DNA
replication, and cell division.
the cell is divided into two main phases:
1. INTERPHASE- the cell grows and makes a copy
of its DNA
2. MITOTIC (M) PHASE- the cell separates its DNA
into two sets and divides its cytoplasm, forming
to new cells
 The main phases of the cell cycle are gap 1,
synthesis, gap 2 and mitosis.
-Gap 1 (G1): cell growth and normal functions
-DNA Synthesis (S): copies DNA
-Gap 2 (G2): additional growth (chromatids
become replicated chromosomes)
-Mitosis (M): includes division of the cell
nucleus (mitosis) and division of the cell
cytoplasm (cytokinesis)
 Mitosis occurs only if the cell is large enough
and the DNA undamaged.
Interphase
 Cells spend the majority of their cell cycle in
interphase
 Longest part of a cell's life cycle, called the
 Purpose: cells grow, develop, and carry on all
their normal metabolic functions
There are 3 parts:
1. Gap 1
2. Synthesis
3. Gap 2
 By the end of interphase a cell has two full sets
of DNA (chromosomes) and is large enough to
begin the division process.
1. G1 (1st Growth Phase)
 cells mature and increase in size ( the cell grows
in size, organelles such as mitochondria and
ribosomes increase in number, and it gathers
materials that will be utilized for DNA synthesis.
 normal metabolic activities such as
communicating with other cells and performing
cellular respiration
 must pass through a checkpoint before it can
go to S phase
2. S (Synthesis phase)
 DNA is replicated (copied)
 Additional growth
In this stage the cell creates the proteins that will aid in
cell division. The cell makes final preparation to divide
(additional organelles proteins).
M Phase
During the ”Mitotic” phase the cell divides its copied
DNA and cytoplasm to create two new cells.
Includes two division- related processes:
1. Mitosis (Nuclear division) - the nucleus of the
cell divides. It takes place in four stages: (a)
Prophase (b) Metaphase (c) Anaphase and (d)
Telophase.
2. Cytokinesis (division of the cytoplasm) - the
cytoplasm of the cell is split in two, making two
new cells.
Cell cycle checkpoints
Checkpoint is a critical control point in the cell cycle
where is “stop” and “go-ahead” signal can regulate
the cell cycle. Note that a signal is an agent that
 influences the function of a cell. Overall, it ensures Description: Cells increase in size in Gap 1. The G1
that the cell cycle stages follow one another in the checkpoint control mechanism ensures that everything
normal sequence. is ready for DNA synthesis

1. G1 checkpoint State: interphase

(The restriction point) is the primary checkpoint of Phase: Synthesis

the cell cycle.
Abbreviation: S
In mammalian cells,
Description: DNA replication occurs during this phase.
a. the signaling protein p53 (protein 53 kilodaltons-
State: interphase:
its molecular) stops the cycle at the G1 checkpoint
when DNA is damaged. First, p53 tries to initiate Phase: Gap 2
DNA repair, but rising levels of p53 can bring about
apoptosis, which is programmed cell death. Abbreviation: G2

b. another protein, called RB (retinoblastoma) is
tasked to interpret growth signals and nutrient
availability signals. If a cell receives a ‘go ahead’
signal at the G1 checkpoint, it usually continues
with the cell cycle. If it does not receive such signal,
it will exit the set aside girl and switch to a
nondividing state G0.
Description: During the gap between DNA synthesis and
mitosis, the cell will continue to grow. The G2
checkpoint control mechanism ensures that everything
is ready to enter the M(mitosis) phase and divide
State: cell division
Phase: mitosis

2. The cell cycle may also halt at G2 checkpoint If Abbreviation: M

DNA has not finished replicating. This checkpoint
prohibits the initiation of the M stage before
completion of the S stage. If DNA is damaged
physically, such as from exposure the solar radiation
or X-rays, the G2 checkpoint offers the opportunity
for DNA to be repaired.
Description: Cell growth stops at this stage and cellular
energy is focus on the orderly division into two
daughter cells. A checkpoint in the middle of mitosis
(metaphase checkpoint) ensures that the cell is ready
the complete cell division.

3. M checkpoint happens during the mitotic stage.

The cycle stops if the chromosomes are not
attached properly to the mitotic spindle. Usually,
the mitotic spindle assures that the chromosomes
are distributed correctly to the daughter cells.

State: resting

Phase: Gap 0

Abbreviation: G0

Description: a phase where the cell left the cycle and

has stopped dividing

State: Interphase

Phase: Gap 1

Abbreviation: G1