Cell Division and Cancer Practice Exam

The G2 phase serves a critical role in the cell cycle as a checkpoint for ensuring that the cell is ready to proceed to mitosis. During this phase, the cell undergoes several important processes, including the repair of any DNA damage that may have occurred during replication in the previous S phase. This is vital because any errors must be corrected before the cell commits to dividing, as mistakes could lead to mutations or other issues in the daughter cells.

In addition to DNA repair, the G2 phase allows for the cell to continue growing and producing proteins and organelles that are necessary for mitosis. The checkpoint mechanisms in this phase help confirm that all parts of the cell are functioning properly and that the DNA is undamaged and correctly replicated. If any problems are detected, the cell may halt progress and initiate repair processes or move toward apoptosis if the damage is irreparable. This careful regulation is key in preventing uncontrolled cell division, which can ultimately lead to cancerous growths.