The cell cycle is a series of events that take place in a cell leading to its division and duplication. The correct order of the cell cycle is as follows:
- G1 Phase (Gap 1): The cell grows in size and synthesizes mRNA and proteins in preparation for subsequent steps leading to mitosis.
- S Phase (Synthesis): The cell replicates its DNA, resulting in two identical sets of chromosomes.
- G2 Phase (Gap 2): The cell continues to grow and produces the proteins and organelles necessary for cell division.
- M Phase (Mitosis): The cell divides its copied DNA and cytoplasm to form two new cells. Mitosis is further divided into several stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.
- Cytokinesis: The final stage where the cell’s cytoplasm divides, creating two daughter cells.
Understanding the cell cycle is crucial for comprehending how cells grow, replicate, and repair themselves. This process is fundamental to all living organisms and plays a key role in development, growth, and maintenance of tissues.