The Cell Cycle and Mitosis

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What is a chromosome?

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A chromosome is a long, thread-like structure made of DNA and proteins that contains genetic information. Chromosomes are found in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells.

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What is a chromatid?

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A chromatid is one half of a duplicated chromosome. After DNA replication, each chromosome consists of two identical sister chromatids joined at a region called the centromere.

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What is a centromere?

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A centromere is the region of a chromosome where the two sister chromatids are joined together. It plays a crucial role during cell division.

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What is a centriole?

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A centriole is a cylindrical organelle found in animal cells that helps in the formation of the spindle fibers during cell division.

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What happens during prophase?

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

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What happens during metaphase?

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During metaphase, chromosomes align at the cell's equatorial plane, and spindle fibers attach to the centromeres of the chromosomes.

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What happens during anaphase?

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

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What happens during telophase?

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

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What is cytokinesis?

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

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What is the cell cycle?

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The cell cycle is the series of events that take place in a cell leading to its division and duplication. It consists of interphase and the mitotic phase.