What happens during the G2 phase?

During the G2 phase of the cell cycle, the primary activity is the preparation for cell division. This phase follows the S phase, where DNA replication occurs, and it is crucial for ensuring that the cell is adequately equipped to enter mitosis.

During G2, the cell undergoes several important processes. It continues to grow and produces proteins necessary for mitosis, including those that make up the spindle apparatus, which is vital for chromosome separation. Additionally, the cell conducts quality control checks on the replicated DNA to ensure there are no damages or errors before proceeding to division. This preparatory phase is essential for maintaining genomic integrity and ensuring that each daughter cell receives an accurate and complete set of chromosomes.

Understanding the G2 phase highlights its role in the overall cell cycle and emphasizes why successful completion of this phase is critical for effective cell division and cell health.