cell cycle and mitosis

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What is the cell cycle?

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The cell cycle is the series of events that take place in a cell leading to its division and duplication (replication). It consists of interphase (G1, S, G2 phases) and the mitotic phase (M phase).

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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 includes G1 (cell growth), S (DNA synthesis), and G2 (preparation for mitosis).

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What is mitosis?

Back

Mitosis is the process of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells, each with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell.

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What are the stages of mitosis?

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

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What happens during prophase?

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

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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 as the spindle fibers shorten.

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What occurs during telophase?

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

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What is cytokinesis?

Back

Cytokinesis is the process that follows mitosis, where the cytoplasm of a parental cell is divided into two daughter cells.

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What is the significance of the G1 phase?

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The G1 phase is crucial for cell growth and preparation for DNA replication. The cell increases in size and synthesizes proteins necessary for DNA synthesis.