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 divide and replicate. It includes interphase (G1, S, G2) and mitotic phase (mitosis and cytokinesis).

Front

What are the main stages of mitosis?

Back

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

Front

What occurs during prophase?

Back

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

Front

What happens during metaphase?

Back

During metaphase, chromosomes align at the cell's equatorial plane, and spindle fibers attach to the centromeres of the chromosomes.

Front

What is anaphase?

Back

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

Front

What occurs during telophase?

Back

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

Front

What is cytokinesis?

Back

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

Front

What is interphase?

Back

Interphase is the phase of the cell cycle where the cell spends most of its life, preparing for division. It consists of G1, S, and G2 phases.

Front

What happens during the S phase of interphase?

Back

During the S phase, DNA is replicated, resulting in two identical sets of chromosomes.

Front

What role do spindle fibers play in mitosis?

Back

Spindle fibers help separate the chromosomes during mitosis by attaching to the centromeres and pulling the sister chromatids apart.