The Cell Cycle

Front

What is the cell cycle?

Back

The cell cycle is the series of events that take place in a cell leading to its division and replication. It consists of phases including interphase, mitosis, and cytokinesis.

Front

What happens during prophase?

Back

During prophase, chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes, and the nuclear envelope begins to break down.

Front

What is anaphase?

Back

Anaphase is the phase in mitosis where sister chromatids are pulled apart by spindle fibers to opposite sides of the cell.

Front

What are spindle fibers?

Back

Spindle fibers are structures that form during cell division to help separate chromosomes. They pull the chromosomes apart during anaphase.

Front

What is interphase?

Back

Interphase is the phase of the cell cycle where the cell spends most of its time, preparing for division by growing and replicating its DNA.

Front

Why do cells replicate?

Back

Cells replicate for growth, repair of damaged cells, and replacement of dying cells.

Front

What occurs during metaphase?

Back

During metaphase, chromosomes line up at the cell's equatorial plane, and spindle fibers attach to the centromeres of the chromosomes.

Front

What is cytokinesis?

Back

Cytokinesis is the final stage of the cell cycle where the cytoplasm divides, resulting in two daughter cells.

Front

What is the role of the centromere?

Back

The 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 is the difference between mitosis and cytokinesis?

Back

Mitosis is the process of nuclear division, while cytokinesis is the division of the cytoplasm, resulting in two separate cells.