Cell Cycle
The cell cycle is a critical process in all living organisms where a single cell divides to produce two daughter cells. This cycle includes several key processes: cell division, DNA replication, and cell growth, all occurring in a coordinated manner. The cycle can be divided into two main phases: Interphase and M Phase (mitosis phase). While M Phase, during which the actual cell division occurs, lasts a short time (around an hour), Interphase represents over 95% of the total cell cycle time; during this phase, the cell grows and prepares for division. Interphase further divides into three stages: G1 phase (Gap 1) where the cell synthesizes various components, S phase (Synthesis) where DNA is replicated, and G2 phase (Gap 2) where further growth takes place before mitosis. Overall, the cell cycle plays a vital role in organism growth, tissue repair, and cellular reproduction.