The Cell Cycle and Mitosis

Front

What is the cell cycle?

Back

The cell cycle is the series of phases that a cell goes through from its formation to its division into two daughter cells. It includes interphase and the mitotic phase.

Front

What are the main stages of mitosis?

Back

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

Front

What happens during interphase?

Back

During interphase, the cell grows, duplicates its DNA, and prepares for mitosis. It consists of G1, S, and G2 phases.

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 occurs during prophase?

Back

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

Front

What happens 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 is anaphase?

Back

Anaphase is the stage of mitosis where sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles of the cell.

Front

What occurs during telophase?

Back

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

Front

What is the significance of the mitotic spindle?

Back

The mitotic spindle is a structure made of microtubules that segregates chromosomes into the daughter cells during mitosis.

Front

What is the difference between mitosis and cytokinesis?

Back

Mitosis is the process of nuclear division, while cytokinesis is the division of the cytoplasm, resulting in two separate cells.