Cell Cycle

This lesson covers:

  1. The phases of the cell cycle 
  2. The processes that take place during interphase

Cell cycle

Organisms need new cells to grow and repair tissues in the body. Not all cells in the body are capable of dividing, but those that are follow a sequence of steps known as the cell cycle. 

Diagram showing the phases of the cell cycle including interphase, mitosis, and cytokinesis.

The cell cycle consists of three main phases: 

  1. Interphase - This occupies the majority of the cycle as cells prepare for division.
  2. Mitosis - This is when the nucleus of the cell divides in two. 
  3. Cytokinesis - This is when the whole cell and cytoplasm divides in two to produce two identical cells.

Interphase

During interphase, cells carry out their usual functions whilst also preparing for cell division.


Preparation involves the following processes: 

  • Cell growth - This includes an increase in cytoplasm.
  • Synthesis of proteins - These proteins are used to replicate organelles. 
  • Replicating DNA - This results in double the genetic material.