Basic Methods of Cell Cycle Analysis

Cellular growth and the preparation of cells for division between two successive cell divisions is called the cell cycle. The cell cycle is divided into several phases; the length of these particular cell cycle phases is an important characteristic of cell life. The progression of cells through these phases is a highly orchestrated process governed by endogenous and exogenous factors. For the elucidation of the role of these factors, including pathological aspects, various methods have been developed. Among these methods, those focused on the analysis of the duration of distinct cell cycle phases play important role. The main aim of this review is to guide the readers through the basic methods of the determination of cell cycle phases and estimation of their length, with a focus on the effectiveness and reproducibility of the described methods.

Automated summary

Cellular growth and preparation for division are collectively known as the cell cycle, which consists of several phases with different durations. The progression through these phases is regulated by both internal and external factors. Various methods, particularly those focusing on analyzing the duration of cell cycle phases, have been developed to study the role of these factors. This review aims to provide an overview of the basic methods for determining cell cycle phases and estimating their length, emphasizing on the effectiveness and reproducibility of these techniques.