The Cell Cycle

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What is the cell cycle?

Back

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

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NGSS.HS-LS1-4

Front

What are the main stages of the cell cycle?

Back

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

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Front

What occurs 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?

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Mitosis is the process of cell division where one cell divides to produce two identical daughter cells. It includes prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.

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NGSS.HS-LS1-4

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.

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NGSS.HS-LS1-4

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.

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NGSS.HS-LS1-4

Front

What happens during anaphase?

Back

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

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NGSS.HS-LS1-4

Front

What happens during telophase?

Back

During telophase, the chromosomes reach the poles, decondense back into chromatin, and the nuclear envelope re-forms around each set of chromosomes.

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NGSS.HS-LS1-4

Front

What is cytokinesis?

Back

Cytokinesis is the final stage of the cell cycle where the cytoplasm divides, resulting in two separate daughter cells.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS1-4

Front

Why do cells need to replicate?

Back

Cells replicate for growth, repair of damaged tissue, and replacement of dying cells.

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