G2 Phase (Interphase) — Overview & Diagrams

Gap 2 Phase

The last part of interphase is called the G$_2$ phase.

The cell has grown, DNA has been replicated, and now the cell is almost ready to divide. This last stage is all about prepping the cell for mitosis or meiosis.

During G$_2$, the cell has to grow some more and produce any molecules it still needs to divide. This includes assembly of the microtubules, which will make up an important structure called the spindle during mitosis. At this time, the cell also has to duplicate its organelles so that each daughter cell gets everything it needs.

At the end of G$_2$, there is another checkpoint. The cell needs to check to make sure that all the proper structures are there and ready for cell division. This is especially important for the microtubules and replicated DNA from the S phase.

What's G$_2$ Phase?

The final step of interphase is the second gap phase (G$_2$). During this step, the cell makes everything it still needs to divide.

Here we see even more cell growth, and the volume of cytoplasm increases as well. New proteins and organelles are made that will be needed later during nuclear division.

An example of this is microtubules. They help separate the chromosomes during cell division (M phase) but are created during G$_2$.

$$\color{#8925AE}{\text{Vocabulary Review:}}$$

$\color{#8925AE}{\text{Cell Cycle}}$ : The steps cells go through in order to grow and divide

$\color{#8925AE}{\text{Interphase}}$ : The longest part of the cell cycle where the cell grows and DNA is replicated to prepare for nuclear division

$\color{#8925AE}{\text{Nuclear Division}}$ : The process of dividing the nucleus

(Video) Interphase

by Patrick Haney

In this video, Patrick Haney covers the steps of interphase, an important concept in cell biology.

Summary

G$_2$ is the shortest phase of interphase. It is when organelles and proteins necessary for cell division are produced. The cell requires a bunch of proteins and other stuff to separate the chromosomes and divide the cell in half. All of these materials are produced during G$_2$.

The cell also checks for DNA damage in this phase. Continuing to replicate the cell if DNA is damaged will only cause a bunch of damaged cells. The checkpoint in the S phase, called the G$_2$/M checkpoint, will stop cell division if the cell is damaged. These important checkpoints prevent uncontrolled growth, the cause of cancerous cells.