Anjana M.

The cell cycle is the process by which a cell grows and then divides to form two new cells. It has two main phases: interphase and M phase.

Interphase is the first and longest part of the cell cycle, where the cell is busy preparing for division. It is divided into three stages – G1, S, and G2. In the G1 phase, the cell grows bigger and makes proteins and other materials that it needs to work properly. It is like the cell is gathering everything it needs before starting an important task. Next is the S phase, where the cell makes a copy of its DNA. DNA contains all the instructions the cell needs, and before division, the cell must make sure both new cells will get a complete copy. After that comes the G2 phase, where the cell checks if everything is correct and prepares all the necessary tools to divide.

After interphase, the cell enters the M phase, which is the phase of actual cell division. M phase includes four main steps called prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.

In prophase, the chromosomes become visible and the covering around the nucleus breaks down. The cell also starts forming spindle fibers, which help in the movement of chromosomes. In metaphase, the chromosomes line up in the middle of the cell, and the spindle fibers attach to them. Then comes anaphase, where the chromosomes are pulled apart and move to opposite sides of the cell. In telophase, new nuclei start to form at each end of the cell, and the chromosomes begin to uncoil and become less visible. Finally, the cell divides its cytoplasm in a process called cytokinesis, and two new cells are formed. These new cells are just like the original cell, and each one can now begin its own cell cycle.

The cell cycle is the process by which a cell grows and then divides to form two new cells. It has two main phases: interphase and M phase. Interphase is the first and longest part of the cell cycle, where the cell is busy preparing for division. It is divided into three stages – G1, S, and G2.

In the G1 phase, the cell grows bigger and makes proteins and other materials that it needs to work properly. It is like the cell is gathering everything it needs before starting an important task. Next is the S phase, where the cell makes a copy of its DNA. DNA contains all the instructions the cell needs, and before division, the cell must make sure both new cells will get a complete copy. After that comes the G2 phase, where the cell checks if everything is correct and prepares all the necessary tools to divide.

After interphase, the cell enters the M phase, which is the phase of actual cell division. M phase includes four main steps called prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.

In prophase, the chromosomes become visible and the covering around the nucleus breaks down. The cell also starts forming spindle fibers, which help in the movement of chromosomes. In metaphase, the chromosomes line up in the middle of the cell, and the spindle fibers attach to them. Then comes anaphase, where the chromosomes are pulled apart and move to opposite sides of the cell. In telophase, new nuclei start to form at each end of the cell, and the chromosomes begin to uncoil and become less visible. Finally, the cell divides its cytoplasm in a process called cytokinesis, and two new cells are formed. These new cells are just like the original cell, and each one can now begin its own cell cycle.