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 (G1, S, G2) and mitotic phase (M).

Front

What happens 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 that results in two genetically identical daughter cells, essential for growth and repair.

Front

What is chromatin?

Back

Chromatin is the complex of DNA and proteins found in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells, which condenses to form chromosomes during cell division.

Front

What are chromosomes?

Back

Chromosomes are structures made of DNA and proteins that carry genetic information. Humans have 46 chromosomes, arranged in 23 pairs.

Front

What is the role of spindle fibers in mitosis?

Back

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

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 occurs during metaphase?

Back

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

Front

What occurs during anaphase?

Back

During anaphase, sister chromatids are pulled apart by spindle fibers and move toward opposite poles of the cell.

Front

What occurs during telophase?

Back

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