rakutsükkel

Rakutsükkel is a Hungarian term that translates to "cell cycle" in English. It refers to the series of events that take place in a cell leading to its division and duplication. This is a fundamental process for all living organisms, enabling growth, repair, and reproduction. The cell cycle is highly regulated and typically divided into several phases.

The main phases are interphase and the mitotic phase (M phase). Interphase is the longest part of the cycle, during which the cell grows, carries out its normal functions, and prepares for division. Interphase is further subdivided into G1 (first gap), S (synthesis), and G2 (second gap) phases. In G1, the cell grows and synthesizes proteins and organelles. During the S phase, DNA replication occurs, ensuring that each daughter cell receives a complete set of genetic material. G2 is another period of growth and protein synthesis, preparing the cell for mitosis.

The M phase includes mitosis, the process of nuclear division, 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. Strict checkpoints monitor the progress of the cell cycle, ensuring that each step is completed accurately before proceeding to the next, which is crucial for maintaining genomic stability.