Cell Cycle

Question 1

What is the cell cycle?

Answer 1

It’s the process that all body cells in multicellular organisms use to grow and divide.

Question 2

What is the interphase period and M phase period in the cell cycle?

Answer 2

• Interphase is the cell growth and DNA replication.

• M phase involves mitosis and cytokinesis.

Question 3

Describe G1 in the cell cycle.

Answer 3

• The cell grows and new organelles and proteins are made.

• The cell checks that the chemicals needed for replication are present and for any damage to the DNA before entering S phase.

Question 4

Describe S in the cell cycle.

Answer 4

It’s the synthesis stage where DNA replication occurs.

Question 5

Describe G2 in the cell cycle.

Answer 5

• The cell keeps growing and proteins needed for cell division are made.

• The cell checks whether all the DNA has been replicated without any damage. If it has, the cell can enter mitosis.

Question 6

True or False: At the metaphase checkpoint (in M phase), the cell checks that all the chromosomes are attached to the spindle before mitosis can continue.

Answer 6

True

Question 7

Describe the interphase stage as a whole.

Answer 7

• The cell’s DNA is replicated to double its genetic content.

• The organelles are also replicated so it has spare ones.

• Its ATP content is increased (it provides the energy needed for cell division).