1. Cell Cycle Background

2. Most cells are less than 100 micrometers in diameter
Cells are small!

3. 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

4. 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.

5. Cells reproduce by a cycle of growing and dividing called the cell cycle

6. 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

7. (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

8. Synthesis (S phase)
The cell will copy its DNA in order to prepare for cell division.

9. 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

10. After interphase, follows mitosis and cytokinesis
The purpose is to divide the cell’s nucleus
Cytokinesis
The purpose is to divide the cell into two identical daughter cells