Cell Cycle, Mitosis and Cancer

Front

What is the cell cycle?

Back

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

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 envelope breaks down, and the spindle apparatus begins to form.

Front

What occurs in Metaphase?

Back

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

Front

Describe Anaphase.

Back

Anaphase is the stage where sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles of the cell, ensuring each new cell will receive an identical set of chromosomes.

Front

What is Telophase?

Back

Telophase is the final stage of mitosis where the chromosomes de-condense, the nuclear envelope re-forms around each set of chromosomes, and the cell prepares to divide.

Front

What is cytokinesis?

Back

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

Front

What is interphase?

Back

Interphase is the phase of the cell cycle where the cell prepares for division, consisting of G1 (growth), S (DNA synthesis), and G2 (preparation for mitosis).

Front

How do cancer cells differ from normal cells?

Back

Cancer cells divide uncontrollably, do not respond to the normal regulatory signals that control the cell cycle, and can invade other tissues.

Front

What is the significance of checkpoints in the cell cycle?

Back

Checkpoints are control mechanisms that ensure the proper progression of the cell cycle, preventing damaged or incomplete cells from dividing.