What does the cell cycle refer to?

The cell cycle refers to the life cycle of a cell, encompassing all the stages that a cell undergoes from its formation to its division into two daughter cells. This process is critical for growth, development, and tissue repair in living organisms.

The cell cycle consists of several phases: interphase (which includes the G1, S, and G2 phases where the cell grows and duplicates its DNA) and the mitotic phase (where the cell divides). Understanding the cell cycle is essential as it reveals how cells reproduce, respond to their environment, and maintain the integrity of genetic material through successive generations. This comprehensive view of a cell's life cycle illustrates the dynamic processes of growth, DNA replication, and division, making it fundamental to the study of biology and heredity.