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Holt Biology 9 Chromosomes and Cell Reproduction
Section: The Cell Cycle
Read the passage below. Then answer the questions that follow.
The cell cycle is a repeating sequence of cellular growth and divi-
sion during the life of an organism. A cell spends 90 percent of its
time in the first three phases of the cycle, which are collectively
called interphase. A cell will enter the last two phases of the cell
cycle only if it is about to divide.
The five phases of the cell cycle are as follows:
First growth (G
1
)phase: During the G
1
phase, a cell grows
rapidly and carries out its routine functions. For most organisms,
this phase occupies the major portion of the cell’s life.
Synthesis (S) phase: A cell’s DNA is copied during this
phase. At the end of this phase, each individual chromosome con-
sists of two chromatids attached at the centromere.
Second growth (G
2
) phase: In the G
2
phase, preparations
are made for the nucleus to divide. Mitochondria and other
organelles replicate. Hollow protein fibers called microtubules are
assembled. The microtubules are used to move the chromosomes
during mitosis.
Mitosis: The process during cell division in which the nucleus
of a cell is divided into two nuclei is called mitosis. Each nucleus
ends up with the same number and kinds of chromosomes.
Cytokinesis: The process during cell division in which the
cytoplasm divides is called cytokinesis.
SKILL: READING EFFECTIVELY
Read each question, and write your answer in the space provided.
1. What two key terms are contained in the first paragraph of this passage?
2. Give the meaning of these two terms.
3. A cell viewed under a high-powered microscope appears to be in the fourth
phase of the cell cycle. What does this indicate about the cell?
Name Class Date
Active Reading
Skills Worksheet