The stages and mechanisms of the cell cycle, and how they contribute to genetic
ID: 268282 • Letter: T
Question
The stages and mechanisms of the cell cycle, and how they contribute to genetic variation.
The cell cycle is separated into four stages that are categorized by the distinct processes that occur in each stage; G1, S, G2, and M phase. Each stage serves a unique purpose that contributes to genetic variation. Based on the knowledge we have learned about the stages of the cell cycle, please describe each stage, it's importance in regulation, and one example of how each may contribute to genetic variation.
Explanation / Answer
The cell cycle has been divided into 4 major stages, each having its own signficance. These 4 stages can be discussed as below:
Stage G1: The stage G1 represents the first growth phase of the cell cycle. As this phase precedes the S-phase, all the preparations necessary for DNA replication are made in this stage. All the organelles, proteins, necessary enzymes, minerals and ions etc are prepared and conserved in this stage. Thus, a cell grows in size in the G1 phase. Any disturbance/deviation in this phase of cell cycle would lead to failure of appropriate DNA replication, hence mutation. These changes, thus, can add up to variation among individuals.
Stage S: The synthesis stage or the S-phase of cell cycle represents the stage in which the DNA replication of chromosomal doubling takes place. As DNA replication is highly prone to errors, any deviation in this stage can lead to change in genetic sequence, hence mutation.
Stage G2: The second growth phase or G2 phase of cell cycle in which protein translation takes place. The translation is associated with all the necessary materials required for mitosis/meiosis to take place, including the spindle proteins. Hence, any damage/deviation in this phase would lead to inappropriate cellular division in the M phase, hence variation amoung individuals.
Stage M: The mitosis/meiosis stage in somatic/germline cells represents the M-stage. The actual division takes place in this stage. Crossing over and recombinatin pursue in the meiosis whereas doubling of chromosomes and their equational distribution takes place in mitosis. Thus, both processes are prone to damage by faulty segregation of alleles, hence deviation.
Thus, this explains the role of each phase of cell cycle in cell cycle control and variation.
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