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The Cell Cycle

Biology: AQA GCSE Higher, topic 1.2.2

The Cell Cycle

The cell cycle is the series of events involved in cell growth and cell division. It involves mitosis (a type of cell division), which allows for the growth, repair and asexual reproduction of cells. It involves:

Initial growth stage

Initial growth stage

  • Extra ribosomes, mitochondria and other sub-cellular structures are produced.
  • The cell’s chromosomes (which are made of DNA) are replicated (copied) so that there are two sets of the cell’s chromosomes.
Mitosis

Mitosis

  • The two sets of chromosomes are pulled to opposite ends of the cell.
  • Then, the nucleus divides into two.
Cell division

Cell division

  • The cytoplasm and cell membranes are divided resulting in the production of two identical cells.

Test yourself on The Cell Cycle

  • The Cell Cycle

  • What happens to a cell's chromosomes during the growth stage of the cell cycle?

  • Why is mitosis important for an organism's body?

  • A cell's nucleus has just divided into two separate nuclei, but the cell's cytoplasm has not yet divided. Which stage of the cell cycle is this cell in?

  • A cell has just finished replicating its chromosomes, but the two sets have not yet been pulled to opposite ends of the cell. Which stage of the cell cycle is this cell in?

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