Cell Cycle & DNA

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 (G1, S, G2) and mitotic phase (mitosis and cytokinesis).

Front

What happens during interphase?

Back

Interphase is the phase of the cell cycle where the cell grows, duplicates its DNA, and prepares for mitosis. It consists of G1 (cell growth), S (DNA synthesis), and G2 (preparation for mitosis).

Front

What is mitosis?

Back

Mitosis is the process of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells, involving phases such as prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.

Front

What occurs during prophase?

Back

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

Front

What is the significance of metaphase in mitosis?

Back

Metaphase is significant because it ensures that chromosomes are properly aligned along the equatorial plane, allowing for accurate separation during anaphase.

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What happens during anaphase?

Back

During anaphase, sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles of the cell, ensuring that each daughter cell will receive an identical set of chromosomes.

Front

What is telophase?

Back

Telophase is the final phase of mitosis where the chromosomes reach the poles, the nuclear membrane re-forms around each set of chromosomes, and the cell prepares to divide.

Front

What are cell cycle checkpoints?

Back

Cell cycle checkpoints are regulatory points in the cell cycle that ensure the cell is ready to proceed to the next phase, preventing errors in cell division.

Front

What is the role of the spindle apparatus during mitosis?

Back

The spindle apparatus is responsible for separating the chromosomes during mitosis by attaching to the centromeres and pulling the sister chromatids apart.

Front

What is cytokinesis?

Back

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