Cell Cycle and Cancer

Front

What is the cell cycle?

Back

The cell cycle is the series of phases that a cell goes through from its formation to its division into two daughter cells. It includes interphase (G1, S, G2) and the mitotic phase (M).

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 (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. It consists of several stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.

Front

What occurs during prophase?

Back

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

Front

What is metaphase?

Back

Metaphase is the stage of mitosis where chromosomes line up at the cell's equatorial plane, ensuring that each daughter cell will receive one copy of each chromosome.

Front

What happens during anaphase?

Back

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

Front

What is telophase?

Back

Telophase is the final stage of mitosis where the chromosomes de-condense back into chromatin, 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, completing cell division.

Front

What is a centromere?

Back

A centromere is the region of a chromosome where two sister chromatids are joined together, playing a crucial role during cell division.

Front

What is cancer in relation to the cell cycle?

Back

Cancer is a disease characterized by uncontrolled cell division, often due to mutations in genes that regulate the cell cycle, leading to the formation of tumors.