| The sequence events that take place as eukaryotic cells prepare to divide asexually are known as the cell cycle. Cells first proceed through a period of growth and synthesis of RNA, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and other metabolic processes, termed "Gap 1" or G1. The cells then synthesize a completely new set of DNA molecules and chromosomes, but none of this activity is obvious under the light microscople. This phase is termed "Synthesis" or S phase. A second period of preparation termed "Gap 2" or G2, completes the Interphase and primes the cell for the division of the chromosomes into two new sets, and for the division of the cell into two new daughter cells. This final chromosome and cell separtation is termed "mitosis" or M. |
