Cell Cycle and Mitosis

Front

What is the cell cycle?

Back

The cell cycle is a series of phases that a cell goes through to grow and divide, including interphase and the mitotic phase.

Front

What are the main phases of the cell cycle?

Back

The main phases of the cell cycle are Interphase (G1, S, G2) and the Mitotic phase (M phase), which includes prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase, and cytokinesis.

Front

What occurs during Interphase?

Back

During Interphase, the cell grows, duplicates its DNA, and prepares for mitosis.

Front

What is Prophase?

Back

Prophase is the first stage of mitosis where chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes, the nuclear envelope breaks down, and spindle fibers begin to form.

Front

What happens during Metaphase?

Back

During Metaphase, chromosomes align at the cell's equatorial plane, and spindle fibers attach to the centromeres of the chromosomes.

Front

What occurs during Anaphase?

Back

During Anaphase, sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles of the cell by the spindle fibers.

Front

What is Telophase?

Back

Telophase is the final stage of mitosis where the chromosomes de-condense, the nuclear envelope re-forms around each set of chromosomes, and the cell prepares to divide.

Front

What is Cytokinesis?

Back

Cytokinesis is the process that follows mitosis, where the cytoplasm of a parental cell divides into two daughter cells.

Front

Why is the cell cycle important for organisms?

Back

The cell cycle is essential for growth, repair, and development of tissues in organisms.

Front

What triggers the transition between different phases of the cell cycle?

Back

The transition between phases of the cell cycle is regulated by cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs).