Cell Cycle - is a series of events that takes place in a cell as it grows and

divides.
3 Stages:
1. Interphase
2. Mitosis
3. Cytokinesis

1. Interphase - longest stage

- the cell grows in size performs normal functions and copies its DNA.
a. G1 - cell grows, performs normal functions and prepares to copy its DNA.
- cell increases in mass and reach its maximum size and growth of the cell.
Organelles are replicated.
- longest phase in the Interphase taking about 40% of the cell cycle.
b. S - cell copies its DNA.
- chromatids are duplicated, producing sister chromatids (DNA replication)
- approximately 20% of the cell cycle
c. G2 - growth and preparation for mitosis
- ensures that most of the organelles and the substances needed by the chromosomes
for cell division are assembled.
- last and shortest stage in Interphase.

3 Checkpoints in Cell Cycle

Checkpoints - where the cell assesses whether conditions are favorable for cell
division.
- when the environment is not favorable (for example, when cell's DNA is damaged) a
protein called p53 (tumor suppression to
suppress cancer) can stop the cell cycle and cause the cell to die.
- when the proteins that regulate the cell cycle are mutated or absent, cells can
divide uncontrollably, leading to cancer.
1. G1 Checkpoint - monitors the existence of the correct signals and checks the DNA
for any damage. If the DNA is damaged and cannot be remedied,
apoptosis (cell death) can occur or cell will go to the resting phase or G0.
2. G2 Checkpoint - checks the proper replication of DNA and the cell size.
3. Exit M phase transition/ Spindle Assembly Checkpoint - checks whether all the
chromosomes are attached to the
mitotic spindle/ spindle fibers by the kinetochore.