The 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 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).

Front

What occurs during Prophase?

Back

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

Front

What happens in Metaphase?

Back

In Metaphase, chromosomes align at the cell's equatorial plane, and spindle fibers attach to the centromeres.

Front

What is Anaphase characterized by?

Back

Anaphase is characterized by the separation of sister chromatids, which are pulled apart towards opposite poles of the cell.

Front

What occurs during Telophase?

Back

During Telophase, the chromosomes reach the poles, the nuclear membrane re-forms, and the chromosomes begin to de-condense.

Front

What is Interphase?

Back

Interphase is the phase of the cell cycle where the cell prepares for division, consisting of G1 (growth), S (DNA synthesis), and G2 (preparation for mitosis).

Front

What is the role of spindle fibers?

Back

Spindle fibers are structures that help separate chromosomes during mitosis by attaching to the centromeres and pulling them apart.

Front

What is the significance of the centrioles in mitosis?

Back

Centrioles help organize the spindle fibers and are crucial for the proper separation of chromosomes during mitosis.

Front

What is cytokinesis?

Back

Cytokinesis is the process that follows mitosis, where the cytoplasm divides, resulting in two daughter cells.