General

Biology 1 12
Biology 1 – Grade 12
Quarter 1 – Module 13: The Cell Cycle
First Edition, 2020

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Published by the Department of Education - Schools Division of Pasig City

Development Team of the Self-Learning Module

Writer: Renee Rose C. Reyes
Editors: Ephraim M. Villacrusis, Joseph M. Ocate
Reviewers: Ephraim M. Villacrusis, Joseph M. Ocate
Rosallio P. Oriarte Jr., SLRC
Illustrator: Edison P. Clet
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Management Team: Ma. Evalou Concepcion A. Agustin
OIC-Schools Division Superintendent
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 General
Biology 1 12
Quarter 1
Self-Learning Module13
Cell Cycle
Introductory Message

For the Facilitator:

Welcome to Biology 1 Grade 12 Self-Learning Module on Cell Cycle!

This Self-Learning Module was collaboratively designed, developed and

reviewed by educators from the Schools Division Office of Pasig City headed by its
Officer-in-Charge Schools Division Superintendent, Ma. Evalou Concepcion A.
Agustin, in partnership with the City Government of Pasig through its mayor,
Honorable Victor Ma. Regis N. Sotto. The writers utilized the standards set by the K
to 12 Curriculum using the Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELC) in
developing this instructional resource.

This learning material hopes to engage the learners in guided and independent
learning activities at their own pace and time. Further, this also aims to help learners
acquire the needed 21st century skills especially the 5 Cs, namely: Communication,
Collaboration, Creativity, Critical Thinking, and Character while taking into
consideration their needs and circumstances.

In addition to the material in the main text, you will also see this box in the
body of the module:

Notes to the Teacher

This contains helpful tips or strategies that
will help you in guiding the learners.

As a facilitator you are expected to orient the learners on how to use this
module. You also need to keep track of the learners' progress while allowing them to
manage their own learning. Moreover, you are expected to encourage and assist the
learners as they do the tasks included in the module.
 For the Learner:

Welcome to Biology 1 Self-Learning Module on Cell Cycle!

This module was designed to provide you with fun and meaningful
opportunities for guided and independent learning at your own pace and time. You
will be enabled to process the contents of the learning material while being an active
learner.

This module has the following parts and corresponding icons:

Expectations - This points to the set of knowledge and skills

that you will learn after completing the module.

Pretest - This measures your prior knowledge about the lesson

at hand.

Recap - This part of the module provides a review of concepts

and skills that you already know about a previous lesson.

Lesson - This section discusses the topic in the module.

Activities - This is a set of activities that you need to perform.

Wrap-Up - This section summarizes the concepts and

application of the lesson.

Valuing - This part integrates a desirable moral value in the

lesson.

Posttest - This measures how much you have learned from the
entire module.
 EXPECTATIONS
In the previous lesson, you have learned about cells; its types, the organelles,
cell theory and the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and also, the
specific function of plasma membrane being semi-permeable. In this lesson, we will
discuss another topic about cell: the cell cycle.

At the end of this module, you should be able to:

1. identify the phases of cell cycle and their control points;

2. explain the sequence of events happen during the cell cycle; and
3. appreciate the importance of control system during the cell cycle.

PRETEST

Directions: Read the statements/questions comprehensively and choose the letter of

the best answer. Write your answer in your notebook.

1. In this phase, the cell grows, produces proteins (does not split) and includes G1,
S, and G2).
A. Anaphase
B. Interphase
C. Mitotic phase
D. Telophase

2. In this phase, the cell grows larger (organelles replicate and cell size doubles)
and chromosomes unwind as chromatin.
A. First Gap
B. Second Gap
C. Mitotic phase
D. Synthesis phase

3. What happens specifically during the synthesis phase?

A. the cell grows, produces proteins
B. the cell grows more, retains the centrosomes
C. the cell divides to two daughter cells with the same genetic material
D. the genetic materials are copied, and the centrosomes are duplicated

4. Which of the following is the correct sequence of events?

A. Cytokinesis, Interphase, Mitosis
B. Cytokinesis, Interphase, Mitosis
C. Interphase, Mitosis, Cytokinesis
D. Interphase, Cytokinesis, Mitosis
5. Before entering into mitosis, the cell, which is preparing for cell division, is
regulated by a checkpoint. Why is this important?
A. To have more daughter cells rather than just two
B. To make sure that the dividing cell has no replicated DNA
C. To make sure that the dividing cell is ready and functional
D. To make sure that the dividing cell has completed the whole cycle

RECAP
Directions: Complete this crossword puzzle by identifying what is stated
inside the boxes. Write your answers in your notebook.

LESSON
In this lesson, the discussion is still about the cell but no longer about the
organelles in it but how it multiplies, repairs and somehow, malfunctions. Cells are
so tiny, but they serve a huge role in every organisms' body.
 The Cell Cycle (Zifan, 2016, figure 1)

This image above shows the events in the cell cycle: Interphase and Mitotic
phase. Each of the mentioned phases have substages and it will be discussed in this
chapter.

INTERPHASE

Interphase is the longest event in the cell cycle, specifically in the S phase
where the DNA must be copied. The growth of the cell physically, duplication of the
organelles, packing enough nutrients for the new daughter cells, are some of the
important events in this phase. It has three (3) substages namely: First Gap,
Synthesis phase and Second Gap.

First Gap - also known as G1 phase. It is in this phase where the cell is quite active
at biochemical level. The cell grows larger, duplicates the organelles, and makes the
molecular building blocks needed for the succeeding steps.

Synthesis phase - or the S phase. As mentioned above, this phase takes a lot of time
because of the complexity of replicating the genetic material. And from the name
implies, this is where the DNA replication occurs. Duplication of centrosomes
happens here as well as it is needed in the separation of chromosomes in M phase.

Second Gap - known as the G2 phase. In this stage, the cell grows continuously, fills
up the loss energy during the S phase, making more proteins, continuously
duplicating the organelles and completing the preparations for the mitotic phase.

In summary, interphase is all about the preparation of the cell for the
successful cell division. If anything goes wrong during the process, we don't have to
worry as they have a built-in control system that could either halt the cycle, if the
problem can't be solved or repair it so that the cell can continue to divide.
 CELL CYCLE CONTROL SYSTEM

It’s amazing how cells know when to divide, when to stop the division or when
to synthesize. It is well orchestrated because of the timing and sequence of events.
You have learned in the previous lessons that the cell has different organelles,
chemicals and other components that serve a specific role inside. Among these is a
set of molecules that triggers and coordinates important events in the cell cycle --
they are the cell cycle control system. This control system is also responsible in the
regulation of certain checkpoints in the cell cycle.

Why is there a need for checkpoints? What does it do? From the name itself,
it implies that this area is where stop and go-ahead signals happen. This is where
the continuity of the cycle depends; if it will be paused to wait, if it will be stopped at
all or if it will go through the next step. In animal cells, different signals are found
during the cycle since they have their own built-in stop signals that cease the cell
cycle at the checkpoints until it receives a go-ahead signal from the report of other
signaling molecules.

There are three (3) major checkpoints during the cell cycle and they are found
in G1, G2 and M phases. Let's discuss each checkpoint.

The Cell Cycle with Checkpoints (n.a., 2016, figure 2)

The first checkpoint in the cell cycle is found on the latter events of the First
Gap. This checkpoint is also called the Restriction point. This is where they ensure
that the cell size is large enough to divide, and to check if the nutrients and proteins
reserves are enough for the daughter cells.

What would happen if the size is too small or if it has reserve enough only for
itself? Then, it would go to G0 or the Gap 0. Gap 0 is also called as the resting phase
where cells that would not undergo cell division rest and could either wait for a signal
for them to divide or just stay there to preserve its physiologic function.

If the cell has all the requirements, then it can proceed with the next stage
which is the synthesis phase.
 The next checkpoint happens in the Second Gap. This event ensures that the
DNA have been accurately replicated without mistake or damage. If it detects a
problem, the cell will either complete the replication or repair the damaged
DNA. When they see no issue, then the cell will proceed to the nuclear division.

The last checkpoint is the Metaphase checkpoint where it ensures that the
chromosomes are attached to the spindle microtubules. When there is loose
connection on the spindle microtubule, it will stop the process. Why? The succeeding
stage, anaphase, is irreversible, which will result to halted process of the cycle if
problem on this checkpoint arises. However, if the chromosomes are firmly attached
to mitotic spindle, the cell will proceed to the next stage, the telophase stage.

Those are the reasons why cells take a lot of time in preparing. Cells allot time
to repair or complete the specific event just to make sure that the whole cell cycle
will be perfectly executed.

Who are responsible in these checkpoints?

In cell cycle, we should not just focus on the phases and processes but let us
also look what's behind these successful events. The control system of the cell cycle
is very vital as it is responsible in the success of the whole cycle. These control
systems include the checkpoints, the cyclins, the cyclin-dependent kinases and p53.
We already know what happens to checkpoints, but what triggers it? This is where
these two main families of proteins come in: cyclin and cyclin-dependent kinases.
These two proteins send signals to the cell when it is ready to go on the next step.
Another factor is also visible in the control system and serve a major role, it’s the
p53 or also known as the tumor suppressor gene. Let us discover more of their roles.

p53 (Tumor Suppressor Gene)

From the name itself, this gene is responsible in suppressing tumors. Some
say that it is “the guardian of the genome” since it prevents gene mutation
(Bioinformatics n.d). How does this gene work? In normal cell cycle, p53 level is low
but damage in DNA and other stress signals cause it to increase. p53 serves three
main functions such as growth arrest, DNA repair and apoptosis (cell death).

If there is a damage in DNA (might be caused by heat, radiation or chemicals),

the cell division would stop and the normal p53 would trigger enzymes to repair the
damaged DNA. Once the DNA is repaired, the p53 would allow the cell division to
continue. However, if the damage is beyond repair, p53 would trigger the destruction
of the cell (apoptosis). If the p53 failed to these functions, there would arise the
cancer cells.

Kinases

Let us get to know first the kinases. Kinases are enzymes that combine
phosphate groups to other molecules like sugars and proteins. This reaction may
cause the molecules to either become active or inactive. In this module, kinases serve
a major role in the control system as regulators. With the help of a cyclin (one of the
most important core cell cycle regulators) the kinase can turn into an active enzyme
that can modify target proteins.

The Cell Cycle with cyclins and Cdks (CNX OpenStax, 2016, figure 3)

Cyclins and Cyclin-Dependent Kinases

Let us now discuss more about the biological regulators of the cell cycle. Keep
in mind that controlling the cell cycle is necessary for a lot of reasons. One is, if not
done properly, a cell would continuously divide though it is not needed (i.e. cancer
cells. As mentioned above, there are proteins that interact to regulate the cell cycle:
cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases.

Cyclins

Cyclins are called such because they undergo a constant cycle of synthesis
and degradation during cell division. It serves an activating protein that bind to a
kinase to form Cdk complex. When the time comes that it detaches to the Cdk
complex (which happens during anaphase), the kinase will go inactive, but still found
around the cell, and will wait for another cyclin to bind.

Cyclin-Dependent Kinases

Cdks are kinases which either activates or deactivates another protein

through phosphorylating them. It gives the ‘stop’ and ‘go’ signal at the Gap 1 and
Gap 2 checkpoints.
 ACTIVITIES
ACTIVITIES 1 and 2: Identifying and Sequencing of Events

DIRECTIONS: Arrange and explain the series of events happening in the cell cycle.
Write #1 if it comes first, #2 if it comes second and so on. Write your answers in
your notebook.

EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS

Number Number Number Number Number

Activity 3: Checkpoints
Directions: Read this article about cell cycle checkpoint and answer the guide
questions in separate sheet of paper.
Abstract
Major currently used anticancer therapeutics either directly damage DNA or
target and upset basic cell division mechanisms like DNA replication and
chromosome segregation. These insults elicit activation of cell cycle
checkpoints, safeguard mechanisms that cells implement to correctly complete
cell cycle phases, repair damage or eventually commit suicide in case damage
is unrepairable. Although cancer cells appear to be advantageously defective
in some aspects of checkpoint physiology, recent acquisitions on the
biochemical mechanisms of the various checkpoints are offering new
therapeutic approaches against cancer. Indeed, chemical manipulation of
these mechanisms is providing new therapeutic strategies and tools to
increase the killing efficacy of major cancer therapeutics as well as to directly
promote cancer cell death. In this review we summarize developing concepts
on how targeting cell cycle checkpoints may provide substantial improvement
to cancer therapy.
Reference: Visconti, R., Della Monica, R. & Grieco, D. Cell cycle checkpoint in cancer: a
therapeutically targetable double-edged sword. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 35, 153 (2016).
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13046-016-0433-9
Guide questions:

1. After reading the article, explain what could happen if the checkpoint in
the cell cycle is not active?
2. How could targeting the checkpoint be effective than damaging the DNA
replication or chromosome segregation?
3. Applying what you have learned in this module, explain the importance
of the cell cycle checkpoints.

WRAP – UP
Direction: In a separate paper, copy this table and write the events you remember
for each phase.

VALUING

Situation:
When the local government of Pasig City implemented enhanced community
quarantine for almost 75 days, the mayor, Hon. Vico Sotto, tapped the barangay
officials to monitor their own areas. This is to make sure that everyone is following
the guidelines in lowering the spread of the coronavirus such as curfew, barangay
coding and social distancing.

The barangay tanod is checking on the residents if they are inside their homes,
if they have food or if the area need disinfection. Every day, they make rounds to
streets just to remind the residents of the existing rules during ECQ. They are also
the ones who first act if there are violators, issues, demands and requests from
residents.
Questions
1. What if there are no barangay tanod visible in an area? What do you think
will residents do?
 2. Relating it to our lesson in this module, what serves as barangay tanod in
the cell cycle?
3. How important is checkpoint in the success of the cell cycle?

POSTTEST
Directions: Read each question carefully and choose the correct answer. Write your
answers in your notebook.

1. During which phase in the cell cycle does mitosis (cell division) happen?
A. First Gap
B. M phase
C. Second Gap
D. S phase

2. It is an area where the cell is checked whether the replication of the DNA is
completed and done with no mistake.
A. G1 checkpoint
B. G2 checkpoint
C. M phase
D. S phase checkpoint

3. Which of the following is a correct statement about the events in the cell cycle?
A. DNA is replicated in synthesis phase
B. The M phase is usually the longest phase
C. The cell is transporting in G1 and G2 phases
D. Interphase includes G1, S1, G2 and M1 phases

4. How do the daughter cells at the end of nuclear division and cytokinesis
compare with their parent cell when it was in the first gap of interphase?
A. The daughter cells have the same amount of cytoplasm and same amount
of chromosomes
B. The daughter cells have the same number of chromosomes and same
amount of DNA
C. The daughter cells have half the number of cytoplasm and half the amount
of chromosomes
D. The daughter cells have half the number of chromosomes and half the
amount of DNA

5. One of the definitions of cancer cell is, it is an unregulated cell that

continuously divide. What enzymes are responsible to the regulation?
A. Cyclin and cell-dependent complex
B. Cyclin and Cyclin-dependent kinases
C. Cyclin and cyclin supplement kinases
D. Cyclin and protein-dependent molecules
 KEY TO CORRECTION
CROSSWORD PUZZLE PRETEST
1. Deoxyribonucleic Acid 1. B
2. Plasma membrane 2. B
3. Microtubules 3. D
4. Centrioles 4. C
5. Cytoplasm 5. C
6. nucleus
POSTTEST
SEQUENCE OF EVENTS 1. B
5, 1, 2, 3, 4 2. B
3. A
4. B
5. B

R E F E R E N CE S
n/a, OpenStax. Cell Cycle with Checkpoints. May 18, 2016. Photograph. Wikimedia
Commons. Wikimedia Commons.
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki.File:Cell_Cycle_With_Cyclins_and_Checkpoints
.jpg.

n/a, Zephyris. Schematic Presentation of the Cell Cycle. January 25, 2020.
Photograph. Wikimedia Commons. Wikimedia Commons.
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki.File:Cell_Cycle_2.svg.

CNX OpenStax. Biology. May 27, 2016. Photograph. Wikimedia Commons.

Wikimedia Commons.
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki.File:Figure_10_03_01.jpg.

Reece, Jane B., Lisa A. Urry, Michael L Cain, Steven A. Wasserman, Peter V.
Minorsky, and Robert B. Jackson. “The Cell.” Essay. In Campbell Biology,
9th ed., 228–45. Boston, CA: Benjamin Cummings / Pearson, 2011.

Visconti, Roberta, Rosa Della Monica, and Domenico Grieco. “Cell Cycle Checkpoint
in Cancer: a Therapeutically Targetable Double-Edged Sword.” Journal of
Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research 35, no. 1 (September 27,
2016): 153–53. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13046-016-0433-9.

Zifan, Ali. A Diagram of Mitosis Stages. Photograph. Wikimedia Commons. Creative

Commons Attributions, June 26, 2016. Wikimedia Commons.
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki.File:Mitosis_Stages.svg.