In the realm of microbiology and the study of cell biology, the cell cycle is a fundamental process that governs the growth and reproduction of cells.
This highly regulated sequence of events comprises phases such as G1, S, G2, and M, which together ensure the faithful duplication and division of genetic material. During the G1 phase, cells prepare for DNA replication in the subsequent S phase. DNA is then duplicated, resulting in two identical sister chromatids during the S phase. G2 phase marks the final preparations for cell division, leading to the M phase where mitosis or meiosis takes place, ultimately yielding two daughter cells.
Understanding the cell cycle is crucial in microbiology, as it provides insights into cell proliferation, development, and disease processes.