Cell Cycle

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 phases of the cell cycle?

Back

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

Front

What occurs during Interphase?

Back

During Interphase, the cell grows, duplicates its DNA, and prepares for mitosis. It consists of three sub-phases: G1 (cell growth), S (DNA synthesis), and G2 (preparation for mitosis).

Front

What is M Phase?

Back

M Phase is the part of the cell cycle where the cell divides. It includes mitosis (the division of the nucleus) and cytokinesis (the division of the cytoplasm).

Front

What happens 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 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 happens during Anaphase?

Back

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

Front

What happens 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 Cytokinesis?

Back

Cytokinesis is the process that follows mitosis, where the cytoplasm of a parental cell is divided into two daughter cells.

Front

What is the significance of the S Phase?

Back

The S Phase is crucial because it is when DNA replication occurs, ensuring that each daughter cell receives an identical set of chromosomes.