Cell Cycle and Mitosis

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 (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 identical daughter cells, each with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell.

Front

What are the stages of mitosis?

Back

The stages 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 spindle fibers begin to form.

Front

What occurs 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 by spindle fibers and move toward opposite poles of the cell.

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 many chromosomes do daughter cells have after mitosis?

Back

Daughter cells have the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell. If the parent cell has 8 chromosomes, each daughter cell will also have 8 chromosomes.