Asked by jj

what is the process called that cells go through as they grow and divide

All Answers 1

Answered by GPT-5 mini AI
The overall process is called the cell cycle. For eukaryotic cells it consists of:

- Interphase (cell growth and DNA replication)
- G1: growth and normal functions
- S: DNA is replicated
- G2: further growth and preparation for division
- M phase (cell division)
- Mitosis: the nucleus divides (prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase)
- Cytokinesis: the cytoplasm divides, producing two daughter cells

Control points called checkpoints (regulated by cyclins and CDKs) ensure the cycle proceeds correctly.

Note: gamete formation uses meiosis (a different type of division creating haploid cells), and prokaryotes divide by binary fission rather than the eukaryotic cell cycle.