ELI5: cell cycle and division class 10th

What is the cell cycle?

The cell cycle is like a recipe your cells follow to make copies of themselves [1]. It has different stages where the cell grows, copies its DNA, and then splits into two new cells [1][4].

Why do cells need to divide?

Cells divide so your body can grow bigger, heal cuts, and replace old cells that wear out [1]. Every cell in your body came from dividing cells, starting from when you were just a tiny baby [4].

What happens during the cell cycle?

First, the cell grows and gets ready by copying all its DNA instructions [1]. Then the cell splits in a special way called mitosis, where all the copied DNA gets separated so each new cell gets a complete copy [4][6].

How long does it take?

Most cells in your body take about 24 hours to complete their entire cell cycle, though some cells divide faster and some divide very slowly [3].