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 produce two daughter cells. It includes interphase (G1, S, G2) and the mitotic phase (mitosis and cytokinesis).

Front

What happens during interphase?

Back

Interphase is the phase of the cell cycle where the cell grows, duplicates its DNA, and prepares for mitosis. It consists of G1 (cell 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, each with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell.

Front

What occurs during prophase?

Back

During prophase, the chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes, the nuclear membrane begins to break down, and spindle fibers start to form.

Front

What is the significance of metaphase?

Back

Metaphase is crucial because the chromosomes line up at the cell's equatorial plane, ensuring that each daughter cell will receive an exact copy of the chromosomes.

Front

What happens during anaphase?

Back

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

Front

What is telophase?

Back

Telophase is the final stage of mitosis where the chromosomes reach the poles, the nuclear membrane 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 of the cell divides, resulting in two separate daughter cells.

Front

What are stem cells?

Back

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that have the potential to develop into various cell types in the body.

Front

How many chromosomes do fruit fly body cells have?

Back

Fruit fly body cells have 8 chromosomes.