The cell cycle is the entire life cycle of a cell, while mitosis is just one specific phase within that cycle, focused on nuclear division.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
The Cell Cycle: A Complete Life
The cell cycle represents the complete sequence of events from one cell division to the next. It's a continuous process involving growth, DNA replication, and cell division. Think of it as the overall lifecycle.
- Purpose: Growth and reproduction of cells.
- Phases:
- Interphase: The longest phase, where the cell grows, replicates its DNA, and prepares for division. It consists of G1, S, and G2 phases.
- G1 Phase (Gap 1): Cell growth and normal metabolic functions.
- S Phase (Synthesis): DNA replication occurs.
- G2 Phase (Gap 2): Further growth and preparation for mitosis.
- M Phase (Mitotic Phase): The phase where the cell divides its nucleus (mitosis) and cytoplasm (cytokinesis).
- Interphase: The longest phase, where the cell grows, replicates its DNA, and prepares for division. It consists of G1, S, and G2 phases.
Mitosis: Nuclear Division
Mitosis is a specific part of the cell cycle, specifically the division of the nucleus resulting in two identical daughter nuclei.
- Purpose: To accurately separate duplicated chromosomes, ensuring each daughter cell receives a complete and identical set of genetic material.
- Phases:
- Prophase: Chromosomes condense and become visible.
- Prometaphase: The nuclear envelope breaks down and spindle fibers attach to the chromosomes.
- Metaphase: Chromosomes align at the middle of the cell.
- Anaphase: Sister chromatids separate and move to opposite poles of the cell.
- Telophase: The nuclear envelope reforms around each set of chromosomes.
- Cytokinesis: Although technically separate from mitosis, it usually overlaps with telophase. Cytokinesis is the division of the cytoplasm, resulting in two separate daughter cells.
Key Differences Summarized
| Feature | Cell Cycle | Mitosis |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | The entire lifecycle of a cell. | Nuclear division; a phase within the cell cycle. |
| Scope | Broad: Includes growth, DNA replication, and division. | Narrow: Specifically focuses on chromosome separation. |
| Result | Prepares and results in two new cells. | Divides the nucleus into two identical nuclei. |
In essence, mitosis is a critical, visually distinct part of the larger process of the cell cycle. The cell cycle encompasses all the steps necessary for a cell to duplicate itself, while mitosis is the specific process of dividing the nucleus containing the genetic material.
