Cell Cycle The cell cycle describes the fate of body (somatic) cells There are distinct stages to the cell cycle – Interphase… preparing for Mitosis Replication of DNA and organelles – M-Phase… Mitosis or cell replication Ends with cytokinesis

Interphase Interphase consists of 3 stages – G 1 Growth and preparation for DNA synthesis G 0 – arrested development…where most of the cells in your body are right now – S DNA replication... At this point the cell cycle must continue to completion of cell death (apoptosis) must occur – The chromosomes are now called sister chromatids – G2 Final checks preparing for M-phase

Cell Cycle Control System Checkpoints stop the cycle until go-ahead signal is received. – There are 3 checkpoints (G 1, G 2, & M) that must be passed before Mitosis is completed.

M-Phase Divided into 4 distinct events – Phophase – Metaphast – Anaphase – Telophase The purpose is to organize and separate the chromatids and organelles to form 2 identical cells… clones! G1S G2 M-Phase