S phase

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S phase

S phase (pronounced as "ess phase") is a period in the cell cycle during which DNA replication occurs. The "S" stands for "synthesis". This phase is preceded by G1 phase and followed by G2 phase.

Etymology

The term "S phase" is derived from the word "synthesis", which in this context refers to the synthesis or replication of DNA.

Definition

In the context of the cell cycle, the S phase is the period during which the cell synthesizes a replica of its DNA. This process is crucial for cell division, as it ensures that each daughter cell receives a complete set of genetic information from the parent cell.

Process

During the S phase, each chromosome is replicated to produce two identical sister chromatids. This process is facilitated by various enzymes, including DNA polymerase and helicase. The replication process begins at specific points in the DNA, known as origins of replication, and proceeds in both directions, creating a replication fork.

Related Terms

  • Cell cycle: The series of events that take place in a cell leading to its division and duplication.
  • DNA replication: The process by which a double-stranded DNA molecule is copied to produce two identical DNA molecules.
  • G1 phase: The first of four phases of the cell cycle that takes place in eukaryotic cell division.
  • G2 phase: The third phase of the interphase of the cell cycle, directly preceding mitosis.
  • Chromatid: Each of the two threadlike strands into which a chromosome divides longitudinally during cell division.
  • DNA polymerase: An enzyme that synthesizes DNA molecules from deoxyribonucleotides, the building blocks of DNA.
  • Helicase: An enzyme that unwinds the DNA helix ahead of the replication machinery.
  • Origins of replication: Particular sequences in a genome at which replication is initiated.

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