What is the cell cycle in 6th grade terms?

Answer 1

The cell cycle is the cycle of a cell's life.

First is Interphase. This is when the cell grows to double its original size, doubles its chromosomes (compacted DNA), and carries out regular life functions.

Second is mitosis. Once interphase is completed, the cell will divide its nucleus. This is the first step to creating two new daughter cells. The chromosomes condense, line up, they separate into the new nuclei, then then two new nuclei reform.

Finally, cytokinesis is the last step, where the cytoplasm (fluid that fills the cell) and organelles (tiny cell organs) separate into the new cells. In animal cells, the cell membrane (outer covering) will pinch together and split the cell. In plant cells, a cell plate will form, separating the two new cells. Once this is done, the old cell will cease to exist and the daughters will begin interphase.

Trust me. I'm a seventh grader with A+ in Life Science, and I got 103% on a paper exactly like this.