key term - Cell cycle

Definition

The cell cycle is a series of events that take place in a cell leading to its division and duplication (replication). It ensures the accurate duplication of the cell's genome and its distribution into two daughter cells.

Related terms

Mitosis:

A type of cell division that results in two daughter cells each having the same number and kind of chromosomes as the parent nucleus, typical of ordinary tissue growth.

Interphase:

The phase of the cell cycle in which the cell spends the majority of its time and performs the majority of its purposes including growth and DNA replication.

Cytokinesis:

The process during cell division in which the cytoplasm of a single eukaryotic cell is divided to form two daughter cells