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 occurs 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).

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What is mitosis?

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Mitosis is the process of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells. It consists of several phases: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.

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What is cytokinesis?

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Cytokinesis is the final step of the cell cycle where the cytoplasm of a parental cell is divided into two daughter cells, completing the cell division process.

Front

What happens during prophase?

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

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What is the role of spindle fibers?

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Spindle fibers are structures that help separate chromosomes during cell division by attaching to the centromeres and pulling sister chromatids apart.

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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.

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What happens during anaphase?

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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.

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What is telophase?

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Telophase is the final stage of mitosis where the chromosomes reach the poles, de-condense back into chromatin, and the nuclear membrane re-forms around each set of chromosomes.

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What is the longest phase of mitosis?

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Prophase is the longest phase of mitosis, characterized by chromatin condensation and the formation of the mitotic spindle.