Cell Cycle & Mitosis

Front

What is the cell cycle?

Back

The cell cycle is the series of phases that a cell goes through from its formation to its division into two daughter cells. It includes interphase and the mitotic phase.

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What are the main phases of the cell cycle?

Back

The main phases of the cell cycle are Interphase (G1, S, G2) and the Mitotic phase (Mitosis and Cytokinesis).

Front

What occurs during Interphase?

Back

During Interphase, 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 where a single cell divides to produce two identical daughter cells, each with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell.

Front

What happens during Prophase?

Back

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 happens 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 each daughter cell will receive an identical set of chromosomes.

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What happens 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?

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Cytokinesis is the final step of cell division where the cytoplasm divides, resulting in two separate daughter cells.

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What is the purpose of mitosis?

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The purpose of mitosis is to enable growth, repair damaged tissues, and reproduce asexually in some organisms.