New Cell Cycle/Mitosis

Front

What is the cell cycle?

Back

The cell cycle is the series of phases that a cell goes through to grow and divide, including interphase and mitotic phase.

Front

What are the main phases of the cell cycle?

Back

The main phases are Interphase (G1, S, G2) and Mitosis (Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase) followed by Cytokinesis.

Front

What occurs during Interphase?

Back

During Interphase, the cell grows, duplicates its DNA, and prepares 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 happens during Prophase?

Back

During Prophase, 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.

Front

What is Anaphase?

Back

Anaphase is the phase where sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles of the cell.

Front

What happens during Telophase?

Back

During Telophase, chromosomes de-condense back into chromatin, the nuclear envelope re-forms around each set of chromosomes.

Front

What is cytokinesis?

Back

Cytokinesis is the process that divides the cytoplasm of a parental cell into two daughter cells after mitosis.

Front

How does cytokinesis differ in plant and animal cells?

Back

In plant cells, a cell plate forms to separate the two daughter cells, while in animal cells, a cleavage furrow forms.