Interphase

• Cell division

  1. Cell divides into two identical cells

  2. DNA needs to be replicated so that each daughter cell receives an exact copy
• DNA replication

  1. DNA condenses by wrapping around cores of histone proteins forming nucleosomes

  2. This beads on a string structure is called chromatin

  3. As a cell prepares to divide, chromatin coils up further shortening and condensing the chromosome

  4. The replicated chromosomes are called sister chromatids
• Cell cycle

  1. Interphase (G1, S, G2 phases)

  2. Mitosis
• Interphase

  • G1 phase: organelle and cytoplasmic components including the centrioles in animal cells replicate
  • S phase: DNA replicates
  • G2 phase: enzymes needed to aid in the process of cell division are produced
• Most eukaryotic cells spend a great deal of time in interphase and a very short period of time actually dividing