Cell Cycle

Front

What is the cell cycle?

Back

The cell cycle is the series of phases that a cell goes through to divide and replicate. It includes interphase (G1, S, G2) and the mitotic phase (mitosis and cytokinesis).

Front

What are the main phases of the cell cycle?

Back

The main phases of the cell cycle are Interphase (G1, S, G2) and the Mitotic phase (Mitosis and Cytokinesis).

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 where one cell divides to produce two identical daughter cells, each with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell.

Front

What is Cytokinesis?

Back

Cytokinesis is the final stage of cell division where the cytoplasm of a parental cell is divided into two daughter cells.

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 the centromeres of the chromosomes.

Front

What occurs during Anaphase?

Back

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

Front

What occurs during Telophase?

Back

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

Front

What is the significance of the G1 phase?

Back

The G1 phase is crucial for cell growth and preparation for DNA replication. The cell increases in size and synthesizes proteins necessary for DNA synthesis.