Cell Cycle and Mitosis

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What is the cell cycle?

Back

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 and the mitotic phase.

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What occurs during interphase?

Back

During interphase, the cell grows, performs its normal functions, and prepares for division. It includes G1 (growth), S (DNA synthesis), and G2 (preparation for mitosis) phases.

Front

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.

Front

What are chromatids?

Back

Chromatids are two identical halves of a duplicated chromosome, which are joined together at a region called the centromere.

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What happens during metaphase?

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

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What is cytokinesis?

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

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What is the role of centrioles in mitosis?

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Centrioles help organize the mitotic spindle and are crucial for the separation of chromosomes during cell division.

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What is the difference between diploid and haploid cells?

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Diploid cells contain two complete sets of chromosomes (2n), while haploid cells contain one complete set (n). For humans, diploid cells have 46 chromosomes.

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What phase follows anaphase in mitosis?

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Telophase follows anaphase in mitosis, where the chromosomes begin to de-condense and the nuclear envelope re-forms.

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What is the significance of the G1 phase?

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The G1 phase is significant for cell growth and normal metabolic functions, preparing the cell for DNA replication.