The cell cycle is a recurring sequence of events that extends from the time of a cell's formation
until its division is completed.
Interphase:
The control of cell division resides in the subphases of interphase.
During Gl, cells assemble most of the carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins that are needed by
the cell and for export.
During the S phase the DNA and histones are copied.
During G2, further protein synthesis drives the cell toward mitosis.
Most of a cell's existence (about 90%) is spent in interphase. Mitosis occupies only a small
portion of the cell cycle.
During interphase the cell's mass increases, the cytoplasmic components approximately double in
number, and the DNA is doubled.
Some cells are arrested in interphase and usually never divide again (example: brain cells).
This animation of the Cell Cycle
from Cells Cycle has a little audio but it's not important for understanding the animation.
You do not need to leave the Cell Cycle page.
This animation (Audio - Important) describes the
cell cycle.
Chromosomes are moved by a spindle
apparatus composed of two sets of microtubules that extend from each pole (centriole) of the cell and overlap at the equator.
Sister chromatids separate and move toward opposite poles.
Now each chromatid is an independent daughter chromosome.
Telophase begins when chromosomes arrive at the poles.
The nuclear envelope forms from the fusion of small vesicles and mitosis is complete.
At the conclusion of mitosis, each new cell has the same chromosome number as the parent nucleus.
This page from Cells Alive has a good animation of
Mitosis and a video of a cell
dividing. You do not need to leave the page.
This animation (Audio - Important) describes the stages of
mitosis.
This animation (Audio - Important) is a little quiz on the stages of
mitosis.
REVIEW: DNA replication occurs
REVIEW: Chromosomes are duplicated during which period?
REVIEW: The chromosomes are aligned at the spindle equator during
REVIEW: The chromosomes are moving to opposite poles during
REVIEW: The chromosomes have arrived at opposite poles during
REVIEW: Which of the following is the proper sequence for mitosis?
I. metaphase
II. telophase
III. prophase
IV. anaphase
a. I, III, IV, II
b. I, II, III, IV
c. III, I, IV, II
d. IV, I, III, II
e. III, IV, I, II
REVIEW: Interphase is the part of the cell cycle when _____ .