Cell Cycle & 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 (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 (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, involving stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.

Front

What occurs during prophase?

Back

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

Front

What occurs 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 occurs during anaphase?

Back

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

Front

What occurs during telophase?

Back

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

Front

What is cytokinesis?

Back

Cytokinesis is the final stage of cell division where the cytoplasm divides, resulting in two separate daughter cells.

Front

What is the significance of the G1 phase?

Back

The G1 phase is crucial for cell growth and preparation for DNA replication, where the cell increases in size and synthesizes proteins.

Front

What is the significance of the S phase?

Back

The S phase is where DNA replication occurs, ensuring that each daughter cell receives an identical set of chromosomes.