Download Cell Cycle Background

Most cells are less than 100 micrometers
in diameter
Cells are small!
What are the benefits of small cells?
 Cells can easily supply nutrients and
expel waste
 Molecules can be transported around
and through the cell
 Cells need small size for simple
communication with other cells and
within themselves
What do cells do to maintain their
size?
When a cell becomes too large it will either stop growing
or divide. The cell cycle explains the process of division.
Cells reproduce
by a cycle of
growing and
dividing called
the cell cycle
A cell will spend most of its
time in interphase
 During interphase
the cell grows,
develops, duplicates
it’s DNA, and
prepares to divide
 The stages of
interphase are: G1,
S, and G2
(Gap 1) G1
 This is the period
immediately after cell
division.
 During this time: The
cell grows, carries out
normal functions, and
prepares to replicate
it’s DNA
Synthesis (S phase)
The cell will
copy its DNA
in order to
prepare for
cell division.
Gap 2 (G2)
The period when
the cell prepares to
divide the nucleus.
The cell will take
inventory to make
sure that it is
prepared for
mitosis
After interphase, follows
mitosis and cytokinesis
Mitosis
 The purpose is to divide the cell’s nucleus
Cytokinesis
 The purpose is to
divide the cell into
two identical
daughter cells