You're on the right track regarding the cell cycle! The cell cycle is typically divided into several phases, which can be summarized as follows:
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Interphase: This is the longest phase of the cell cycle and is further divided into three sub-phases:
- G1 Phase (Gap 1): The cell grows, synthesizes proteins, and prepares for DNA replication.
- S Phase (Synthesis): DNA replication occurs, resulting in two sister chromatids for each chromosome.
- G2 Phase (Gap 2): The cell continues to grow and prepares for mitosis. It checks for DNA damage and ensures that all DNA is replicated correctly.
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Mitosis: This is the process of nuclear division and is divided into several stages:
- Prophase: Chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes, the nuclear envelope begins to break down, and the mitotic spindle starts to form.
- Metaphase: Chromosomes align at the cell's equatorial plane.
- Anaphase: Sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles of the cell.
- Telophase: The chromosomes reach the poles, the nuclear envelope reforms around each set of chromosomes, and the chromosomes begin to de-condense.
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Cytokinesis: This is the process that follows mitosis and involves the division of the cytoplasm, resulting in two separate daughter cells. In animal cells, this occurs through the formation of a cleavage furrow, while in plant cells, a cell plate forms.
Overall, the cell cycle is crucial for growth, development, and tissue repair in multicellular organisms.
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