The cell cycle has four main stages: gap 1, synthesis, gap 2, and mitosis

Originally the cell cycle had been divided into two parts: interphase, when the cell
appeared to be at rest and mitosis, when the cell was dividing. This was a misconception
because scientist couldn't see what the organelles inside the cell were doing. After time it
was found that cells carry out normal functions and experience critical growth, while
preparing for cell division.
Gap 1 (G1): The first stage of the cell cycle. It continues to do its normal functions while
absorbing nutrients, increasing size and organelles. It is compared to the importance of
conserving energy in preparation for a marathon. That is why this stage is so important.
Synthesis (S): Synthesis: means combining parts to make a whole. During this stage the
cell copies its DNA through replication. At the beginning the DNA is loosely organized,
but by the end it is two perfectly separate strands of DNA.
Gap 2 (G2): Cell continues to carry out its normal functions and more growth occurs. It is
a critical stage in the process of replication. It is an area of confirmation that everything is
in order, adequate cell size, undamaged DNA, before the cell goes through mitosis and
division
Mitosis (M): It has two parts, cytokinesis and mitosis. In mitosis the nuclear membrane
dissolves and duplicated DNA condenses around proteins and separates and two nuclei
form. Lastly cytokinesis is the process that decides the cell cytoplasm. The result of all
this is two, new, perfectly identical cells.
Cells divide at different rates
Prokaryotes have a different, but similar cell cycle. They tend to multiply much faster due
to their lack of organelles.
The rate at which your body originally divides is linked to how much your body needs
those cells. In a normal human cells The S, G2, and M phase of the cell cycle usually take
about 12 hours. G1 however differs from cell type to cell. At the beginning of your life
your cells tend to divide more and the cell cycle is shorter. The same goes for the cells in
your stomach and intestines which receive a lot of where and tear.
Some cells that dont divide often or at all are said to be in G0. Cells like neurons which
dont divide continue to carry normal functions or cells like lymphocytes which are
special types of white blood cells that remain in G0 until an invader is recognized.
Cell Size is Limited
If cells are too small then they cant contain all of the necessary materials and organelles.
However if the cell is too big then it is too hard for the cell is efficiently exchange
materials.
Sometimes cells must be large. So they are shaped in a special way. Neurons in a giraffes

must be really long to span the neck so they extremely long in thin. This gives the neuron
a large surface area and a small volume.
5.2 Mitosis and cytokinesis.
A chromosome is a long continuous thread of DNA that consist of numerous genes along
other regulatory information. Each cell in your body has 46 chromosomes.
During interphase DNA is loosely organized.
During interphase proteins need access to specific for a cell to make specific
proteins or to copy the entire DNA sequence.
During mitosis chromosomes are tightly condensed.
The duplicated chromosomes must condense to be divided between two nuclei
Being condensed prevents entanglement.
Quiz
1._______: the regular pattern of growth
2._______: The division of the cell nucleus and its contents
3._______: the process that divides the cell cytoplasm
4._______: one long continuous thread of DNA that consists of numerous
genes along with regulatory information
5._______: a group of proteins that DNA wraps around
6._______: the loose combination of DNA and proteins
7._______: one half of a duplicated chromosome .
8._______: the region of the condensed chromosome that looks pinched
9._______: the structures on the ends of DNA molecules
10._______: when DNA condenses into tightly coiled chromosomes. The
nuclear envelope breaks down, centrioles begin t move to opposite
poles, and spindle fibers form
11.____F___:L
12.____T___: chromotids separate to opposite sides of the cell.
Cytokinesis usually begin in late anaphase or telophase
13._______: nuclear membranes start to form, chromosomes begin to
uncoil, and the spindle fibers fall apart
Word Bank:
Cell Cycle

Chromatid

Prophase

Mitosis

Cytokinesis

Metaphase
Histones

L
H

Chromosome

Chromatin

Telophase

Telomeres

Centromere

Anaphase

Answer key:
1m
2b
3e
4c
5h
6k
7f
8m
9d
10j
11l
12g
13i
Questions
1.During which stage of the cell cycle is DNA copied?
S stage
2.Which stages of the cell cycle generally require about the same amount of time in all
human cells?
S, G2, and Mitosis all take about the same time
3. What limits the maximum size of a cell?
The volume to surface ratio
4. Suppose you were to draw diagram representing the cell cycle of a neuron. Explain
where and how you would represent G0
The cell cycle would look like G1 all of the way around the circle with no other
stages
5. Suppose you treat cells with chemicals that block cytokinesis. Describe what you think
the cells would look like.
Daughter cells wouldnt have equal amounts of cytoplasm
1. Draw what a chromosome looks like during metaphase. Identify the chromatids and

the centromere.
2. Briefly explain why the daughter cells resulting from mitosis are genetically identical
to each other and to the original cell.
They are the same because they both come from the same original strand of DNA
which makes them genetically identical.
3. How do prophase and telophase differ?
In prophase the nuclear envelope breaks down, the chromosomes coil tightly, and
spindle fibers form. On the other hand, in telophase the nuclear membranes form, the
chromosomes begin to uncoil.
4. Using a light microscope, you observe a cell that has no nucleus. What features would
you determine whether it is a eukaryotic cell cell undergoing mitosis or a prokaryotic
cell?
I would look for the centrioles, an organelle that a prokaryotic cell wouldnt have,
to determine what type of cell it was.
8. The prefix pro means earlier than or prior to. Explain how this meaning relates to
the word prophase.
It relates because prophase is the beginning stage that is prior to all other parts of
mitosis.

9. The prefix telo- means distant, far, or end. How does this relate to the words
telophase and telomere?
It relates to telophase because telophase is the end of mitosis. It relates to
telomere because telomeres are the end of the chromosomes.
10. the term mitosis comes from the Greek root mitos which means thread. How does
this meaning relate to the process of mitosis.
This relates because a large part of mitosis has to do with spindle fibers that are
present and doing something in all stages.
11.The cell cycle has four main stages---G1, S, G2, and M. What occurs in the cell during
each stage?
In G1 the cell grows normally and carries out normal functions. In S the DNA is
replicated. In G2 the cell continues to grow and the organelles are replicated. In M the
nucleus divides into two genetically identical nuclei and the cytoplasm divides.
12. Compare the rates of cell division occurring in your neurons and your hair follicles.
Hair cells divide at a much higher rate in comparison to neurons which don't
divide at all.
13. What is the relationship between a cells surface area and its volume?
In many cases it is the higher the surface area the higher the volume.

14. You know that a chromosome is a very long continuous strand of DNA. How do
protein help condense chromosomes?
DNA wraps around groups of proteins called histones that help to condense
DNA.
15.Describe what happens in each main phase of mitosis--prophase, metaphase,
anaphase, and telophase.
Prophase: when DNA condenses into tightly coiled chromosomes. The nuclear
envelope breaks down, centrioles begin t move to opposite poles, and spindle fibers form
Metaphase: spindle fibers attach to each chromosome. They align the
chromosomes along the equator
Anaphase: Chromatids separate to opposite sides of the cell. Cytokinesis usually
begins in late anaphase or telophase
Telophase: nuclear membranes start to form, chromosomes begin to uncoil, and
the spindle fibers fall apart
16. How does the process of cytokinesis differ from the process of mitosis?
Mitosis is the division of the nucleus while cytokinesis is the division of the cell
membrane.
32. Which points do not follow the best fit line data?
Years 199, 1992, and 1993
33. What is the trend in the data five of cancer survival during the span of time given?
Steadily increasing, with a few minor dips and jumps.