What Happens During the S Phase of Interphase

calendarJul 20, 2022 · 3 min read  ·
Share on: linkedincopy

DNA replication occurs in the S phase of the interphase. It is the second phase of the interphase, which follows the G1 phase. During G1 phase, the cells fulfill the requirements for DNA replication and then, the DNA replicates during the S phase. At the end of the S phase, each chromosome composes two sister chromatids. However, as the number of chromosomes remains unchanged, the ploidy of the cell also remains unchanged. After a successful DNA replication, the cell enters into the G2 phase, which is the third and the final phase of the cell cycle.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Interphase
      – Definition, Stages, Function
2. What Happens During the S Phase of Interphase
     – Role of S Phase in Interphase

Key Terms: Centrosome, DNA replication, G1 Phase, G2 Phase, Interphase, S Phase

What Happens During the S Phase of Interphase - Infographic

What is Interphase

Interphase is the first stage of cell cycle. It is followed by mitotic division, which is the second stage of the cell cycle. The main function of interphase is to prepare the cell for mitotic division. Interphase is composed of three phases: G1 phase, S phase, G2 phase.

  • G1 phase – The first stage of the interphase is the G1 phase. It is the longest phase of the cell cycle. Cells are metabolically active during the G1 phase. Protein synthesis occurs during the G1 phase, synthesizing the associated proteins in DNA replication.
  • S phase – The second phase of the interphase is S phase. DNA replication occurs during the S phase.
  • G2 phase – The third phase of the interphase is G2 phase. During G2 phase, organelles are replicated. Some of the proteins required for the manipulation of replicated chromosomes are also synthesized during the G2 phase. The G2 phase is followed by the mitotic division.
    • What Happens During the S Phase of Interphase

    Figure 1: Mitosis

    What Happens During the S Phase of Interphase

    DNA replication occurs during the S phase of interphase. S phase is preceded by the G1 phase. During the G1 phase, the building blocks for DNA replication, its associated proteins, and energy are produced in the cell. After passing the G checkpoint, the cell enters into the S phase.

    Throughout the interphase, DNA remains in the form of chromatin, a semi-condensed form of DNA. During the S phase, an identical copy of each chromosome is synthesized by DNA replication. The two DNA molecules of the same chromosome are then called the sister chromatids. They remain attached from the centromere.

    The centrosome is also duplicated during the S phase. They move to the opposite poles of the cell and start the formation of the mitotic spindle. The mitotic spindle is responsible for the movement of chromosomes during mitosis.

    Conclusion

    DNA replication occurs during the S phase of interphase. The S phase is the second phase of the interphase, which follows the G1 phase. The proteins required by DNA replication are synthesized during the G1 phase.

    Reference:

    1. “The Cell Cycle.” Lumen, Available here.

    Image Courtesy:

    1. “Mitosis diagram” By Marek Kultys – Own work(own work by uploader).Źródło (source) (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia

    ncG1vNJzZmiolZm2oq2NnKamZ6edrrV5x5qnqZ2eqHqlwdGipaBlpJ2ybr%2BMqZ%2Baq5VivKd5yKernqqgna60sY4%3D