G2
PHASE
PRESENTED
BY:
GROUP 3
Introduction
The G2 phase is the third and
final sub-phase of interphase in
the cell cycle, occurring after
DNA replication in the S phase
and before the M phase
(mitosis or meiosis).
Introduction
It is a critical period where the cell
prepares for division. Cells may spend
varying lengths of time in G2,
depending on their type and
condition. It acts as a bridge between
DNA replication and mitosis.
What
happens
during a
G2 phase?
G2 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 G2.
Key
Activities
in G2
Phase
Key
Activities
in G2
Phase
1. Cell Growth and Protein Synthesis:
• The cell continues to grow in size, although
not as dramatically as during G1.
• It synthesizes various proteins required for
mitosis, including tubulin, which forms the
mitotic spindle fibers.
• Lipid synthesis is also enhanced for
membrane formation.
2. DNA Replication Verification:
• The G2 checkpoint verifies that DNA
replication in the S phase was completed
accurately and that there are no errors or
damage to the DNA.
• This is crucial to ensure that the daughter
cells inherit the correct genetic
3. G2 Checkpoint:
• The G2 checkpoint is a critical quality control
mechanism that prevents cells with damaged
or incompletely replicated DNA from entering
mitosis.
• If DNA damage is detected, the cell cycle can
be arrested to allow time for repair or, if the
damage is irreparable, the cell may undergo
4. Preparation for Mitosis:
• The cell prepares for the upcoming
events of mitosis, such as chromosome
condensation, spindle formation, and
segregation of chromosomes.
Transition
to Mitosis
Only when the cell passes the G2
checkpoint does it enter mitosis. This
transition is triggered by the Maturation
Promoting Factor (MPF). MPF is
composed of cyclin B and CDK1. MPF
activation leads to chromatin
condensation, nuclear envelope
breakdown, and spindle formation
Key players
include:
Key Players
1 2 3
- p53: Cyclins: CDKs (Cyclin-
Dependent
Tumor suppressor Regulatory proteins Kinases):
protein that can halt that control cycle
the cycle. progression. Enzymes that
activate cell cycle
transitions.
Why G2 is
Essential?
It is important because:
• It prevents cells with damaged or incomplete
DNA from dividing.
• It ensures all organelles and proteins needed for
division are ready.
• It protects the genetic stability of the organism.
• It allows the cell to pause and repair issues
before proceeding to mitosis.
What is the
primary
function of
the G2 phase
of the cell
cycle?
During the second gap phase (G2), the
cell prepares for the mitotic division.
In mitosis, divided into prophase,
prometaphase, metaphase, anaphase,
telophase, and cytokinesis, the cell
divides by segregating the chromosomes
into two separate daughter cells.
Did You
Know?
Random Fact
Some cancer cells can bypass the G2 checkpoint
entirely. This allows them to divide uncontrollably—
even with severe DNA damage. Many cancer
treatments target this vulnerability by enhancing
DNA damage or disabling checkpoint escape.
Understanding G2's role helps in designing
therapies that exploit faulty cell cycles.
Thank
you
