Ask a Question
or
Create a Poll
  1. Home /
  2. Questions /
  3. Science
  4. / Biology
  5. / Cell Biology

by Maggie Flarety on November 30th, 2004

Maggie Flarety

Question

Help answer this question below.

How do cells keep from getting too large? How do they know when to stop growing?

Share:
Other

Answers. Showing one answer.

  • by camjam on February 12th, 2005

    camjam

    Basically, cells always grow. When they reach a certain point, they divide. They do this in a continuous cycle.

    Read on for a more specific look on what actually happens...

    Cells always grow; cells always divide.
    Cell division is a fairly simple process.
    The cell cycle takes about 24 hours.
    For 20 hours, the cell is in interphase.

    Here's a look at the process.

    1. Cell is in state of Interphase where it neither grows or divides.
    2. Cell is in G1 phase where is grows to division size.
    3. When it reaches a size large enough for division, it copies all of its DNA in the S Phase.
    4. In the G2 phase, the cell "double-checks" itself to divide.
    5. The cell's nucleus breaks down; spindle fibers used to move chromosomes appear; DNA/chromatin turns into chromosomes in Prophase.
    6.In metaphase, the chromosomes go to the middle of the cell; fibers attach to chromosomes.
    7.Anaphase, the chromosomes go toward opposite ends of the cell.
    8.Telophase, the cell pinches off on itself.
    9. Cytokinesis, the cell actually splits, and the 2 new cells are identical to the original cell.

    Comments

    • step 10 the cell signals stop. If it doesn't, it might be cancerous

      dddkitty

      by dddkitty on April 4th, 2005

    • While I believe G1, S and G2 phases are all defined as being part of interphase, this is an excellent answer.

      Masquerade

      by Masquerade on May 26th, 2005

    • That "they always grow, and just divide at a certain point" is only true for prokaryotes, and incomplete even for them.

      lynnenorth

      by lynnenorth on January 11th, 2006

    • Like
    • Report

    3 comments | Post one | Permalink

Want to attach an image to your answer? Click here.

Did this answer your question? If not, then ask a new question or create a poll.

More Questions. Additional questions in this category.

You're reading How do cells keep from getting too large? How do they know when to stop growing?

Follow us on Facebook!

Related Ads

Related Questions

Professionally Researched

Answerbag

a Demand Media company