The Cell Cycle

Introduction to the Cell Cycle00:00:06

The cell cycle describes the lifespan of a eukaryotic somatic cell, which is any body cell except sex cells. It outlines the sequence of cell growth and division.

Interphase: The Main Growth Phase00:00:29

A cell spends most of its life in interphase, which has three sub-phases: G1, S, and G2. Interphase is followed by the M phase, which is cell division. Together, these four phases constitute the entire cell cycle.

G1 Phase: Growth and Function00:00:58

The G1 phase, also known as growth one or gap phase one, is when a cell grows and performs its specific functions. Some cells, like muscle and nerve cells, exit the cell cycle after G1 as they do not divide again.

S Phase: DNA Synthesis00:01:22

The cell enters the S phase (synthesis) when it needs to divide. During this phase, a copy of the DNA is made through replication.

G2 Phase: Preparation for Division00:01:40

After DNA replication, the cell enters the G2 phase, also known as growth two or gap phase two. In G2, the cell undergoes further preparations for cell division.

M Phase: Cell Division00:02:00

Once interphase is complete, the cell is ready for the M phase, which involves cell division. The M phase has two main events: mitosis (division of the cell's nucleus) and cytokinesis (division of the cytoplasm). At the end of the M phase, two daughter cells, identical to each other and the original cell, are formed.

Summary of the Cell Cycle Phases00:02:34

To review, the cell cycle illustrates the life of a cell, comprising four phases: three in interphase (G1 for growth and function, S for DNA replication, G2 for further preparation) and one for cell division (M phase, including mitosis and cytokinesis).