Genetics, Cancer Cell Cycle Phases

Most cells in the body go through a cycle of life in which their genetic information is retained, fixed, and passed down to daughter cells through a highly coordinated and regulated process. However, during this cell cycle, there are many situations where mistakes are made by the cycle or by a regulating system that causes the cell to proliferate uncontrollably, leading to cancer. Somatic cells are the best know for this cell cycle and go through 2 main phases called interphase and mitosis.

During interphase, some subdivisions are important to cell division and maintenance of the genetic material. The subdivisions consist of G1, S, and G2. The cells may also enter into a 4th phase known as G0 when the cell is destined to die and no longer divide.