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| 1. Cloning and Genetic Engineering Defined
3. Current Applications Of Genetic Engineering 4. Cloning Techniques A - Cells
5. Cloning Techniques B - Animals |
The cell cycle
is a catch-all term describing the division of cells. Cells increase in numbers by
dividing. So, take a fully-grown cell. It divides into 2 cells. These cells grow, then
each of them divides into 2 cells. These cells grow, then each of them divides into 2
cells. Get the idea? This cell cycle is very important. It is what causes an embryo to grow, and it replaces your dead hair and skin cells. It is also a cause of diseases; an out of control cell cycle is what causes cancer. A better understanding of the cell cycle helps scientists search for the cure for cancer. There is one "difference" in all these dividing cells – the quiescent cell. This is a cell that has decided to stop dividing. It may start dividing again sometime in the future, or it may not, mostly depending on the type of cell it is. For example, nerve cells are generally permanently quiescent cells.
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