D2.1.13 (HL)—Cell cycle phases
The cell cycle includes interphase, mitosis and cytokinesis, with growth, synthesis and preparation phases readying cells for division and growth.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2025
- Objective
- D2.1.13
- Level
- HL
Exam analysis
Chance of appearing4%of analysed past papers
Latest appearanceMay 2022
Most common paperPaper1
Typical marks1–7
Common command terms
- Identify
- Describe
- Outline
- Compare
- Deduce
Scoring notes
- Common mistake
- Putting S phase after G2 or after mitosis instead of between G1 and G2.
Recent exam appearances
May 2022Paper1 ["HL"] · TZ14[ 1 ]D2.1.13 (HL)—Cell cycle phases
May 2017Paper2 ["HL"] · TZ28(a)[ 4 ]D2.1.13 (HL)—Cell cycle phases
May 2015Paper2 ["HL"] · TZ28(c)[ 7 ]D2.1.13 (HL)—Cell cycle phases
May 2014Paper1 ["HL"] · TZ15[ 1 ]D2.1.13 (HL)—Cell cycle phases
Practice this objective
Coverage 2014–2022 · Updated 16 Jul 2026
Concept essentials
- The cell cycle sequence is G1, S, G2, mitosis and cytokinesis.
- DNA replication occurs during S phase.
- G1 and G2 involve growth, metabolism and preparation.
- Mitosis divides the nucleus, and cytokinesis divides the cytoplasm.