Ok, gather around kids! (Or one child in this case)Today, we are learning about the Cell Cycle!So, the cell pretty much has 4 main cycles. The first stage is Gap 1, but we just call it G1. In this stage, it does its normal tasks. For example, if it’s a skeletal muscle cell, it helps to move joints!
Ohh?!
In the second stage, also known as Synthesis, but we just call it S. In this stage, the cell makes a copy of its DNA. This pretty much means that it copies the instructions needed to recreate itself! By the end of this stage, it has made another copy of its instructions!
Thirdly, we have the Gap 2 stage, but we call this one G2. InG2, much like the first cycle, it does its basic functions, except this time, it grows! Also, like the first cycle, it’s very very important! In this cycle, everything in the cell has to be in tip-top shape before it goes into the next step, which just so happens to also be the last!
This final step is Mitosis! This step actually has 2 parts, Mitosis, and Cytokinesis. Mitosis is the dividing of the cell nucleus and its contents. During this process, the DNA copied in the 2nd step gathers around the protein and breaks up to form a whole new Nuclei!
At last, the Cytokinesis, which is still a part of the final step. Cytokinesis is the process that divides the cell’s cytoplasm. This results in identical cells, which are genetically identical (which means their DNA is the same.) These identical twins are also known as daughter cells!