What are the phases of cell cycle?

Phases of the Cell Cycle

The cell cycle is a 4-stage process consisting of Gap 1 (G1), synthesis (S), Gap 2 (G2) and mitosis (M), which a cell undergoes as it grows and divides. After completing the cycle, the cell either starts the process again from G1 or exits the cycle through G0. From G0, the cell can undergo terminal differentiation.

The stages in the cell cycle between one mitosis and the next, which include G1, S and G2, are known collectively as the interphase.

G1 phase

  • Cell increases in size
  • Cellular contents are duplicated

S phase

  • DNA replication
  • Each of the 46 chromosomes (23 pairs) is replicated by the cell

G2 phase

  • Cell grows more
  • Organelles and proteins develop in preparation for cell division

M phase

  • Mitosis followed by cytokinesis (cell separation)
  • Formation of two identical daughter cells

G0 phase

While some cells are constantly dividing, some cell types are quiescent. These cells exit G1 and enter a resting state called G0. In G0, a cell is performing its function without actively preparing to divide. G0 is a permanent state for some cells, while others may re-start division if they get the right signals.

By Simon Caulton (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

What are the phases of cell cycle?

Figure 1 – Stages of the cell cycle.

Regulation

The progression of cells through the cell cycle is controlled by various checkpoints at different stages. These detect if a cell contains damaged DNA and ensure those cells do not replicate and divide. The restriction point (R) is located at G1 and is a key checkpoint. The vast majority of cells that pass through the R point will end up completing the entire cell cycle. Other checkpoints are located at the transitions between G1 and S, and G2 and M.

If damaged DNA is detected at any checkpoint, activation of the checkpoint results in increased p53 protein production. p53 is a tumour suppressor gene that stops progression of the cell cycle and starts repair mechanisms for the damaged DNA. If this DNA cannot be repaired, it ensures the cell undergoes apoptosis and can no longer replicate.

This cell cycle is also closely regulated by cyclins which control cell progression by activating cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) enzymes.

An example of a tumour suppressor protein is retinoblastoma protein (Rb). Rb restricts the ability of a cell to progress from G1 to S phase in the cell cycle. CDK phosphorylates Rb to pRb, making it unable to restrict cell proliferation, thereby inhibiting its cell growth-suppressing properties. This allows cells to divide normally in the cell cycle.

By OpenStax [CC BY 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

What are the phases of cell cycle?

Figure 2 – Important checkpoints and regulators of the cell cycle.

Clinical Relevance – Neoplasia

Neoplasia is a disease of unchecked cell division and its progression is attributed to a change in activity of cell cycle regulators. If a mutation occurs in a protein that regulates the cell cycle, e.g. p53, it can lead to rapid, uncontrolled multiplication of these cells.

When there is a defect in p53 tumour suppressor gene, it cannot detect and bind to cells with damaged DNA to either repair the damage or cause apoptosis. This leads to unchecked replication of cells in the cell cycle and an increase in mutated p53. This increases the risk of neoplasms and also brings out the cancerous properties in the mutant p53.

What are the 4 phases of the cell cycle in order?

In eukaryotes, the cell cycle consists of four discrete phases: G1, S, G2, and M. The S or synthesis phase is when DNA replication occurs, and the M or mitosis phase is when the cell actually divides. The other two phases — G1 and G2, the so-called gap phases — are less dramatic but equally important.

What are the 5 phases of a cell cycle?

These phases are prophase, prometaphase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. Cytokinesis is the final physical cell division that follows telophase, and is therefore sometimes considered a sixth phase of mitosis.

What is cell cycle and its phases?

Cell cycle is the name we give the process through which cells replicate and make two new cells. Cell cycle has different stages called G1, S, G2, and M. G1 is the stage where the cell is preparing to divide. To do this, it then moves into the S phase where the cell copies all the DNA. So, S stands for DNA synthesis.

What are the phases of cell cycle Class 11?

The different phases of a cell cycle include: Interphase – This phase includes the G1 phase, S phase and the G2 phase. M phase – This is the mitotic phase and is divided into prophase, metaphase, anaphase and telophase. Cytokinesis – In this phase the cytoplasm of the cell divides.