frumuhringrásarinnar

Frumuhringrásarinnar, commonly known as the cell cycle, is a fundamental biological process that describes the series of events a cell undergoes from the time of its formation until its division into two daughter cells. This cycle is essential for growth, repair, and reproduction in all living organisms. The cell cycle is tightly regulated to ensure that DNA is replicated accurately and that daughter cells receive a complete set of chromosomes.

The cell cycle is broadly divided into two main phases: interphase and the mitotic phase (M phase). Interphase is the longest part of the cell cycle and is a period of growth and DNA replication. It is further subdivided into three stages: G1 phase (first gap), S phase (synthesis), and G2 phase (second gap). During G1, the cell grows and carries out its normal metabolic functions. In the S phase, the cell replicates its DNA, ensuring that each daughter cell will receive an identical copy. G2 is a period of further growth and preparation for mitosis, where the cell checks for any errors in DNA replication.

The mitotic phase, or M phase, is the stage where the cell divides. It consists of mitosis, the division of the nucleus, and cytokinesis, the division of the cytoplasm. Mitosis is further divided into prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase, during which the replicated chromosomes are separated and distributed to opposite poles of the cell. Cytokinesis follows, resulting in the formation of two distinct daughter cells. Checkpoints at various stages of the cell cycle monitor its progress and halt the cycle if any abnormalities are detected, preventing the propagation of errors.