Every cell is the product of a cell cycle.
Cell proliferation is controlled precisely by the cell division control machinery, which ensures that cells divide only at appropriate times and that crucial components are replicated with adequate fidelity. The basic mechanisms governing cell division arose early in eukaryotic evolution and are highly conserved. Cell growth and cell division serve different purposes. Cell growth increases the fitness of the individual cell and increases the likelihood of its survival. Controlled cell division perpetuates and spreads genetic information, thereby increasing the likelihood that a species will be successful and survive.