10/10 The Cell Cycle

Front

What is the cell cycle?

Back

The cell cycle is the series of phases that a cell goes through to divide and replicate. It includes interphase (G1, S, G2) and the 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 (growth), S (DNA synthesis), and G2 (preparation for mitosis).

Front

What is mitosis?

Back

Mitosis is the process of nuclear division in eukaryotic cells, resulting in two identical daughter nuclei, each with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell.

Front

What are the phases of mitosis?

Back

The phases of mitosis are prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.

Front

What occurs during prophase?

Back

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

Front

What occurs during metaphase?

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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?

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During anaphase, sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles of the cell as the spindle fibers shorten.

Front

What occurs during telophase?

Back

During telophase, the chromosomes reach the poles, the nuclear envelope re-forms around each set of chromosomes, and the chromosomes begin to de-condense.

Front

What is cytokinesis?

Back

Cytokinesis is the process that follows mitosis, where the cytoplasm divides, resulting in two separate daughter cells.

Front

How does cytokinesis differ in plant and animal cells?

Back

In animal cells, cytokinesis occurs through the pinching of the cell membrane. In plant cells, a cell plate forms to divide the cell.