 When a cell is not dividing, the DNA is in the form of a threadlike material called chromatin.  When a cell is about to divide, the chromatin condenses to form  chromosomes. Chromosomes are structures in the nucleus made  of DNA and protein.

Describe the events of cell division in prokaryotes. Name the two parts of the cell that are equally divided during cell division in eukaryotes. Summarize the events of interphase. Describe the stages of mitosis. Compare cytokinesis in animal cells with cytokinesis in plant cells. Explain how cell division is controlled.

 Cell division is the process by which cells reproduce themselves.

Cell Cycle –The cell cycle is the repeating set of events in the life of a cell. –The cell cycle consists of cell division and interphase. –Cell division in eukaryotes includes nuclear division, called mitosis, and the division of cytoplasm, called cytokinesis.

Interphase consists of : –G1 phase offspring cells grow to mature size. –S phase cell’s DNA is copied. –G2 phase cell prepares for cell division. Cells can also exit the cycle and enter G0 phase. Example: cells in the nervous system.

During cytokinesis in animal cells, a cleavage furrow pinches in and eventually separates the dividing cell into two cells. In plant cells, a cell plate separates the dividing cell into two cells.

Cell division in eukaryotes is controlled by many proteins. Control occurs at three main checkpoints.