Biology – 2.1 Cell structure | e-Consult

New cells are produced through a continuous process called the cell cycle. The cell cycle involves growth, DNA replication, and division. Before a cell divides, it must replicate its DNA, ensuring that each daughter cell receives a complete set of genetic information. This DNA replication occurs during the S phase of the cell cycle.

The cell cycle then progresses through various phases (G1, S, G2, and M). The M phase is where the actual cell division occurs. This phase is divided into two main stages: mitosis and cytokinesis. Mitosis is the division of the nucleus, where the duplicated chromosomes are separated into two identical sets. Cytokinesis is the division of the cytoplasm, resulting in two separate daughter cells. Each daughter cell then enters the next phase of the cell cycle, and the process repeats, allowing for continuous growth and repair of the organism.

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