Cell Cycle Lecture Notes

Definition and Overview

• The cell cycle is a series of events that occur in a cell as it grows and divides.
• A cell spends most of its time in interphase, where it:
  • Grows
  • Replicates its chromosomes
  • Prepares for cell division
• Following interphase, the cell undergoes mitosis to complete its division.
• The resulting daughter cells each enter their own interphase, beginning a new cycle.

Phases of the Cell Cycle

1. G1 Phase

   • Preparation for division.
   • Key events: Cell grows and synthesizes proteins necessary for DNA replication.

2. S Phase (DNA Synthesis Phase)

   • DNA is copied, resulting in a complete extra set of all genetic material.

3. G2 Phase

   • Further preparation for division.
   • Key events: Genetic material is organized and begins to condense.

4. M Phase (Mitosis)

   • The cell partitions the two copies of genetic material into two daughter cells.
   • Followed by cytokinesis, where the cell splits into two.

Related Concepts

• Interphase: A stage of the cell cycle where the cell prepares for division.
• Mitosis: The process where a single cell divides into two genetically identical daughter cells.
• Related terms include Cancer, Cell, Chromosome, and Mitosis.

Implications

• Understanding the cell cycle is critical in fields like genetics, medicine, and cancer research.
• Misregulation of the cell cycle can lead to diseases such as cancer.

Additional Resources

• For more information, visit the Genome.gov Cell Cycle Glossary.
• Explore other related glossary terms such as Cancer, Cell, and Chromosome.