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.
 The cell cycle is a repeated pattern of growth and
division that occurs in eukaryotic cells.

 Cells have distinct phases of growth,

reproduction, and normal functions.

STAGES OF THE 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.

In eukaryotic cells ( cells with nucleus), the stages of the

cell cycle are 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
two 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 "resting
stage" because the cell isn't dividing
 Purpose: cells grow, develop, & 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 )
2. G2 Phase ( 2nd Growth Phase)
• Additional growth
In this stage, the cell creates
the proteins that will aid in cell
division. The cell makes final
preparations to divide
(additional organelles/
proteins).
In mammalian cells,
a. the signaling protein p53 ( protein 53 kilodaltons-
its molecular) stops the cycle at the G1 checkpoint
when DNA is damaged. First, p53 tries to initiate
DNA repair, but rising levels of p53 can bring about
apoptosis, which is programmed cell death.
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 continue
with the cell cycle. If it does not receive such
signal, it will exit the cell cycle and switch to a non-
dividing state Go.
2. The cell cycle may also halt at G2 checkpoint if 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 to
solar radiation or X-rays, the G2 checkpoint offers the
opportunity for DNA to be repaired.
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.
PHASES OF THE CELL CYCLE

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 take 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

“stop” and “go ahead” signals can regulate the cell cycle.
Note that a signal is an agent that influences the functions
of a cell. Overall, it ensure that the cell cycle stages follow
one another in the normal sequence.

1. G1 checkpoint ( the restriction point ) is the primary

checkpoint of the cell cycle.