Cell Cycle and mitosis

Front

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 replication. It consists of interphase (G1, S, G2) and the mitotic phase (M).

Front

What are the main stages of mitosis?

Back

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

Front

What happens during prophase?

Back

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

Front

What is metaphase?

Back

Metaphase is the stage of mitosis where chromosomes align at the cell's equatorial plane, ensuring that each daughter cell will receive an identical set of chromosomes.

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 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 a sister chromatid?

Back

A sister chromatid is one half of a duplicated chromosome, joined together by a centromere.

Front

What is a centromere?

Back

A centromere is the region of a chromosome where two sister chromatids are joined together.

Front

What is a checkpoint in the cell cycle?

Back

A checkpoint is a critical point in the cell cycle where regulatory signals determine whether the cell will proceed with division.

Front

Why is the G1 phase important?

Back

The G1 phase is important for cell growth and preparation for DNA replication.