Cell Cycle and Mitosis
I. What is the Cell Cycle?
The cell cycle is the ordered sequence of events that a cell goes through to grow, prepare for division, and
divide into two daughter cells. It ensures that genetic material is accurately copied and distributed.
II. Major Phases of the Cell Cycle
1. Interphase (90% of the cell cycle)
o The cell grows, performs normal functions, and prepares for division.
o Divided into 3 sub-phases:
▪ G1 phase (Gap 1): Cell grows, makes proteins, and performs metabolic functions.
▪ S phase (Synthesis): DNA is replicated—each chromosome is copied.
▪ G2 phase (Gap 2): The cell prepares for mitosis by making necessary proteins and
checking for DNA errors.
2. M Phase (Mitotic Phase)
o The nucleus divides (mitosis), followed by division of the cytoplasm (cytokinesis).
3. Cytokinesis (often considered separate but occurs during M phase)
o The cytoplasm divides, forming two identical daughter cells.
III. Cell Cycle Control System: Checkpoints
Cells have built-in control points to regulate the cycle and ensure proper division:
Checkpoint When it Occurs Purpose
G1 Checkpoint End of G1 Checks cell size, energy, and DNA damage
G2 Checkpoint End of G2 Checks DNA replication accuracy
M (Spindle) Checkpoint During Metaphase Ensures all chromosomes are attached to spindle fibers
Importance: These checkpoints prevent damaged or mutated DNA from being passed to daughter cells. If
the cell fails a checkpoint, it may undergo apoptosis (programmed cell death).
IV. Mitosis: Division of the Nucleus
Mitosis is the process where a parent cell divides to produce two genetically identical daughter cells, each
with the same number of chromosomes.
Occurs in: Somatic (body) cells
Purpose: Growth, tissue repair, and asexual reproduction
The 5 Phases of Mitosis:
Phase Key Events
1. Prophase Chromosomes condense and become visible. Nuclear membrane breaks down. Spindle
fibers begin to form.
2. Metaphase Chromosomes align in the center of the cell (metaphase plate). Spindle fibers attach to
centromeres.
3. Anaphase Sister chromatids are pulled apart toward opposite poles.
4. Telophase Nuclear membranes reform around chromosomes at each pole. Chromosomes de-
condense.
5. Cytokinesis The cytoplasm divides, resulting in two separate daughter cells. Cleavage furrow -animal
cell; cell plate – plant cell
Tip to Remember Phases:
Please Make A Tiny Cell
(Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase, Cytokinesis)
V. Importance of Mitosis
Function Explanation
Growth Helps organisms increase in size by adding more cells
Repair Replaces damaged or dead cells (e.g., skin healing)
Regeneration Some organisms regenerate lost parts (e.g., lizard’s tail)
Asexual Reproduction In some organisms (e.g., amoeba), mitosis is the method of reproduction
Meiosis – Cell Division for Reproduction
I. What is Meiosis?
Meiosis is a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, producing four genetically
unique haploid cells (gametes).
It is essential for sexual reproduction and occurs in the reproductive organs (testes in males, ovaries in
females).
II. Purpose and Outcome of Meiosis
Feature Description
Purpose To produce gametes (sperm and egg cells) for sexual reproduction
Location Gonads (ovaries and testes)
Number of Divisions Two (Meiosis I and Meiosis II)
Result Four non-identical haploid cells
Chromosome Number Reduced from diploid (2n) to haploid (n)
Meiosis ensures that the offspring has the correct number of chromosomes when gametes fuse during
fertilization.
III. Phases of Meiosis
Meiosis occurs in two rounds of division:
A. Meiosis I – Reduction Division
• Reduces chromosome number from diploid to haploid
• Homologous chromosomes separate
Phases of Meiosis I:
Phase Key Events
Chromosomes condense, homologous chromosomes pair up (synapsis), and
Prophase I
crossing over occurs. Nuclear envelope breaks down.
Metaphase I Homologous chromosome pairs align at the metaphase plate.
Homologous chromosomes are pulled to opposite poles. Sister chromatids stay
Anaphase I
together.
Telophase I Two haploid nuclei form; each has half the original number of chromosomes.
Cytokinesis Cytoplasm divides; 2 haploid daughter cells are formed.
B. Meiosis II – Division of Sister Chromatids
• Similar to mitosis
• Separates sister chromatids
Phases of Meiosis II:
Phase Key Events
Prophase II New spindle forms in both haploid cells.
Metaphase II Chromosomes line up individually at the equator.
Anaphase II Sister chromatids are separated and pulled to opposite poles.
Telophase II Nuclear membranes form around chromosomes.
Cytokinesis Four genetically different haploid cells are produced.
IV. Genetic Variation in Meiosis
Meiosis introduces genetic diversity through:
1. Crossing Over
• Occurs in Prophase I
• Homologous chromosomes exchange segments of DNA
• Results in new gene combinations
2. Independent Assortment
• Occurs in Metaphase I
• Chromosomes align randomly, creating different combinations of maternal and paternal chromosomes
in gametes
3. Random Fertilization
• One sperm randomly fertilizes one egg, further increasing variation
Importance: Genetic variation is essential for evolution, adaptation, and survival of species.
V. Importance of Meiosis
Function Explanation
Genetic Variation Promotes diversity among offspring
Chromosome Number Stability Maintains the correct chromosome number across generations
Gamete Formation Produces sperm and egg cells for sexual reproduction
VI. Comparison: Mitosis vs. Meiosis
Feature Mitosis Meiosis
Function Growth and repair Sexual reproduction
Divisions 1 2
Daughter cells 2 identical 4 unique
Chromosome number Same (diploid) Half (haploid)
Genetic diversity None Yes (via crossing over and independent assortment)
