The cell cycle is an ordered set of events that lead to cell growth and division into two daughter cells. The stages are G1-S-G2 and M. The state G1 means "GAP 1" (Interval 1). The S state represents "synthesis," in which DNA replication occurs. The state G2 represents "GAP 2" (Interval 2). The M state represents "the M phase", and groups mitosis or meiosis (distribution of nuclear genetic material) and cytokinesis (division of the cytoplasm). The cells that are in the cell cycle are called "proliferants" and those that are in the G0 phase are called "quiescent" cells. [1] All cells originate only from a previously existing one. [2] The cell cycle begins at the moment when a new cell appears, descended from another one that divides, and ends at the moment when said cell, by subsequent division, originates two new daughter cells.
