BIOLOGY NOTES
THE CELL CYCLE • INTERPHASE • MITOSIS
BIG IDEA
ORDER TO KNOW
The cell cycle is the series of stages a cell goes through as it
Interphase → Mitosis (PMAT) → Cytokinesis
grows, copies its DNA, and divides.
1. INTERPHASE
Interphase is the longest part of the cell cycle. The cell grows, carries out its normal jobs, copies its DNA, and gets ready to divide.
STAGE WHAT HAPPENS EASY WAY TO REMEMBER
G1 Cell grows and performs normal functions. Growth
S DNA is copied (replicated). Synthesis = DNA copied
G2 Cell grows more and prepares for mitosis. Getting ready
2. MITOSIS (PMAT)
Mitosis is the division of the nucleus. It separates the copied chromosomes so each new nucleus receives the same genetic
information.
STAGE WHAT HAPPENS
P — Prophase Chromosomes become visible. The nuclear membrane breaks down, and spindle fibers form.
M — Metaphase Chromosomes line up across the middle of the cell.
A — Anaphase Sister chromatids separate and move toward opposite ends of the cell.
T — Telophase Two new nuclei form. Chromosomes begin to uncoil.
3. CYTOKINESIS
The cytoplasm divides, forming two separate daughter cells. Each daughter cell has the same number of chromosomes as the
original cell.
CELL CYCLE AT A GLANCE
G1 S G2 PROPHASE
Cell DNA is Prepares Chromosomes
grows copied to divide visible
METAPHASE ANAPHASE TELOPHASE CYTOKINESIS
Line up in Chromatids Two nuclei Cell splits
middle separate form in two
4. IMPORTANT VOCABULARY
Term Meaning
Chromosome A structure made of DNA that carries genetic information.
Sister chromatids Identical copies of a chromosome joined together.
Mitosis Division of the nucleus.
Cytokinesis Division of the cytoplasm.
Daughter cells The two new cells produced by cell division.
TEST TIP: Remember PMAT: Prophase → Metaphase → Anaphase → Telophase. Metaphase = middle; Anaphase = apart.
QUICK CHECK • Cover the notes and see if you can answer:
THE CELL CYCLE • INTERPHASE • MITOSIS
BIG IDEA
ORDER TO KNOW
The cell cycle is the series of stages a cell goes through as it
Interphase → Mitosis (PMAT) → Cytokinesis
grows, copies its DNA, and divides.
1. INTERPHASE
Interphase is the longest part of the cell cycle. The cell grows, carries out its normal jobs, copies its DNA, and gets ready to divide.
STAGE WHAT HAPPENS EASY WAY TO REMEMBER
G1 Cell grows and performs normal functions. Growth
S DNA is copied (replicated). Synthesis = DNA copied
G2 Cell grows more and prepares for mitosis. Getting ready
2. MITOSIS (PMAT)
Mitosis is the division of the nucleus. It separates the copied chromosomes so each new nucleus receives the same genetic
information.
STAGE WHAT HAPPENS
P — Prophase Chromosomes become visible. The nuclear membrane breaks down, and spindle fibers form.
M — Metaphase Chromosomes line up across the middle of the cell.
A — Anaphase Sister chromatids separate and move toward opposite ends of the cell.
T — Telophase Two new nuclei form. Chromosomes begin to uncoil.
3. CYTOKINESIS
The cytoplasm divides, forming two separate daughter cells. Each daughter cell has the same number of chromosomes as the
original cell.
CELL CYCLE AT A GLANCE
G1 S G2 PROPHASE
Cell DNA is Prepares Chromosomes
grows copied to divide visible
METAPHASE ANAPHASE TELOPHASE CYTOKINESIS
Line up in Chromatids Two nuclei Cell splits
middle separate form in two
4. IMPORTANT VOCABULARY
Term Meaning
Chromosome A structure made of DNA that carries genetic information.
Sister chromatids Identical copies of a chromosome joined together.
Mitosis Division of the nucleus.
Cytokinesis Division of the cytoplasm.
Daughter cells The two new cells produced by cell division.
TEST TIP: Remember PMAT: Prophase → Metaphase → Anaphase → Telophase. Metaphase = middle; Anaphase = apart.
QUICK CHECK • Cover the notes and see if you can answer:
