Cell Division/Mitosis

Front

What are spindle fibers and what is their role in cell division?

Back

Spindle fibers are protein structures that help separate chromosomes during cell division by attaching to the centromeres and pulling sister chromatids apart.

Front

What is the G2 phase in the cell cycle?

Back

The G2 phase is the second gap phase in the cell cycle where the cell grows, produces organelles, and checks for DNA damage before mitosis begins.

Front

Where do spindle fibers originate during mitosis?

Back

Spindle fibers originate from the centrioles, which are located at the poles of the cell.

Front

What occurs during anaphase of mitosis?

Back

During anaphase, the sister chromatids are pulled apart and move toward opposite poles of the cell.

Front

What is a centromere?

Back

A centromere is the region of a chromosome where the two sister chromatids are joined together and where spindle fibers attach during cell division.

Front

What are the main stages of mitosis?

Back

The main stages of mitosis are prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.

Front

What happens during prophase?

Back

During prophase, the chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes, the nuclear envelope breaks down, and the spindle apparatus begins to form.

Front

What is the role of the nuclear envelope during mitosis?

Back

The nuclear envelope protects the genetic material and must break down during mitosis to allow the chromosomes to be separated.

Front

What is the difference between metaphase and anaphase?

Back

In metaphase, chromosomes align at the cell's equatorial plane, while in anaphase, sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles.

Front

How do cells ensure accurate chromosome separation during mitosis?

Back

Cells use the spindle assembly checkpoint to ensure that all chromosomes are properly attached to spindle fibers before proceeding to anaphase.