The term "cell cycles" refers to the series of events that occur in a cell leading to its division and replication. The phonetic transcription of this word is /sɛl ˈsaɪklz/. The first part of the word, "cell," is pronounced as /sɛl/. The second part, "cycles," is pronounced as /ˈsaɪklz/. The letter "y" is pronounced as a long "i" sound, and the letter "s" is pronounced as a "z" sound, following the preceding vowel. This spelling represents the sounds of the word and helps to ensure its proper pronunciation.
Cell cycle refers to the series of events that take place in a cell leading to its division and subsequent replication of its genetic material. This process is highly regulated and critical for growth, development, and maintenance of organisms. The cell cycle can be broadly categorized into two main phases: interphase and mitotic phase.
During interphase, which is the longest phase of the cell cycle, the cell undergoes growth and prepares for division. It can further be divided into three stages: G1 (Gap 1), S (Synthesis), and G2 (Gap 2). In the G1 phase, the cell grows in size, cellular components are duplicated, and molecular building blocks are prepared for DNA synthesis. During the S phase, DNA replication occurs, resulting in the formation of two identical sets of chromosomes. Following this, the G2 phase involves further growth and preparation for mitosis.
The mitotic phase involves the actual division of the cell and is composed of four stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. During prophase, the chromosomes condense and become visible, the nuclear envelope dissolves, and the mitotic spindle starts forming. In metaphase, the chromosomes align along the equatorial plane of the cell. Anaphase is characterized by the separation of sister chromatids and their movement towards opposite poles of the cell. Finally, in telophase, the chromosomes reach the poles, the nuclear envelope reforms, and the cell starts to physically divide in a process known as cytokinesis.
Overall, cell cycles play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and regulation of cell division, ensuring proper cell growth and development in organisms.
The word "cell" comes from the Latin word "cella" meaning small enclosed space or chamber. It was first used to describe the basic unit of life by Robert Hooke in 1665.
The word "cycle" comes from the Greek word "kyklos" meaning circle or wheel. It was used in English to describe a recurring sequence of events or repeating process.
The term "cell cycle" was coined to describe the sequence of events that occur in a cell leading to its division and the production of two daughter cells. This term was first used by the biologist Leo Errera in 1909.