VI.

Cell Cycle final preparations for the mitotic phase

must be completed before the cell is able to
The Cell Cycle is an ordered series of events enter the first stage of mitosis.
involving cell growth and cell division that produces 4. Cells in Gap 0 phase are not actively
two new daughter cells. Cells on the path to cell preparing to divide. The cell is in a quiescent
division proceed through a series of precisely timed (inactive) stage that occurs when cells exit
and carefully regulated stages of growth, DNA the cell cycle. Some cells enter G0
replication, and division that produces two identical temporarily until an external signal triggers
(clone) cells. The cell cycle has two major phases: the onset of G1. Other cells that never or
rarely divide, such as mature cardiac muscle
1. Interphase → the cell grows and DNA is
and nerve cells, remain in G0 permanently.
replicated.
2. Mitotic Phase → the replicated DNA and Checkpoint
cytoplasmic contents are separated, and the
cell divides. A Checkpoint is a stage in the eukaryotic
cell cycle at which the cell examines internal and
Interphase external cues and "decides" whether or not to move
forward with division. Three major checkpoints are
During Interphase, the cell undergoes normal
found in the G1, G2, and M phases of the Cell Cycle.
growth processes while also preparing for cell
division. In order for a cell to move from interphase 1. G1 Checkpoint (Restriction Point) →
into the mitotic phase, many internal and external ensures that the cell is large enough to
conditions must be met. divide and that enough nutrients are
available to support the resulting daughter
1. The first stage of interphase is called the G1
cells.
Phase, the cell is quite active at the
2. G2 Checkpoint → ensures that DNA
biochemical level. The cell is accumulating
replication in S phase has been successfully
the building blocks of chromosomal DNA
completed.
and the associated proteins as well as
3. Metaphase Checkpoint → ensures that all
accumulating sufficient energy reserves to
of the chromosomes are attached to the
complete the task of replicating each
mitotic spindle by a kinetochore.
chromosome in the nucleus.
2. Throughout Interphase, nuclear DNA
remains in a semi-condensed chromatin
configuration. In the S Phase, DNA
replication can proceed through the
mechanisms that result in the formation of
identical pairs of DNA molecules — sister
chromatids — that are firmly attached to
the centromeric region.
3. In the G2 Phase, the cell replenishes its
energy stores and synthesizes proteins
necessary for chromosome manipulation.
Some cell organelles are duplicated, and the
cytoskeleton is dismantled to provide
resources for the mitotic phase. There may
be additional cell growth during G2. The
 VII. Mitosis VIII. Meiosis

Mitosis Meiosis

The Mitotic Phase is a multistep process Meiosis reduces chromosome number to

during which the duplicated chromosomes are half of that of the parent cell.It is the process that
aligned, separated, and move into two new, identical produces sex cells and ensures the correct number
daughter cells. The first portion of the mitotic phase of chromosomes.
is called karyokinesis, or nuclear division. The second
portion of the mitotic phase, called cytokinesis, is Like mitosis, meiosis also refers to how cells
the physical separation of the cytoplasmic divide to produce new cells. Sex cells or gametes are
components into the two daughter cells. produced from meiotic division.

Mitosis refers to how a cell divides to Interphase

produce new cells. Only somatic cells (also known as
- The nuclear membrane is intact and
body cells) undergo mitosis.
chromatin is relaxed
Interphase
Prophase I
- The nuclear membrane is intact and
- Condensation of Chromatins
chromatin is relaxed
- Synapsis or the fusion of chromosomes
Prophase - Crossing over or a cellular process that
happens during meiosis when
- Chromosomes are recondensed chromosomes of the same type are lined up

Prometaphase Prometaphase I

- Meiotic Spindle Formation from Centrioles - Meiotic Spindle Formation from Centrioles
- Disintegration of the Nuclear Membrane - Disintegration of the Nuclear Membrane

Metaphase Metaphase I

- Alignment of Chromosomes at the - Alignment of Chromosomes at the

Metaphase Plate Metaphase Plate
- Spindle Fibers will attach to the - Spindle Fibers will attach to the
Chromosomes Chromosomes

Anaphase Anaphase I

- Chromatids are pulled to opposite poles by - Homologous Pairs are pulled to opposite
the spindle fibers poles by the spindle fibers

Telophase Telophase I

- Nuclear membrane reforms - Nuclear membrane reforms

- Cleavage Furrow appear - Cleavage Furrow appear

Cytokinesis Cytokinesis I

- Dividing of Cytoplasm - Dividing of Cytoplasm

 - Formation of Daughter Cells
Comparison Mitosis Meiosis
Prophase II
Roles Growth & Reproduction
Functions Development,
- Chromosomes are recondensed
Importance Tissue Repair
and
Prometaphase II
Replacement
- Meiotic Spindle Formation
Number of 1 (PMAT) 2
- Disintegration of the Nuclear Membrane divisions (Meiosis I and
Meiosis II)
Metaphase II
Number of 2 4
- Alignment of Chromosomes at the daughter cells
Metaphase Plate
- Spindle Fibers will attach to the Genetically YES NO
Chromosomes Identical?

Anaphase II Chromosome 46 to 46 46 to 23
number (Same as (Half of the
- Chromatids are pulled to opposite poles by parent) parent)
the spindle fibers
When Throughout At sexual
life maturity
Telophase II
Where Somatic / body Reproductive
- Nuclear membrane reforms
cells or germ cells
- Cleavage Furrow appear

Cytokinesis I

- Dividing of Cytoplasm

Importance of Crossing Over

- Facilitates genetic recombination

- Enhances genetic variation
- Increases chances of survival

Meiosis I vs Meiosis II

- Crossing over occurs only in meiosis I

- Synapsis occurs only in meiosis I
- Tetrads line up and separate into individual
homologous chromosomes in meiosis I
- Sister chromatids line up and separate into
individual chromosomes in meiosis II