Cell Cycle and Mitosis

Front

What is the cell cycle?

Back

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

Front

What are the main phases of mitosis?

Back

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

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 the role of the centromere?

Back

The centromere is the region of a chromosome where the two sister chromatids are joined together, and it plays a crucial role during cell division.

Front

What happens during prophase?

Back

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

Front

What is metaphase?

Back

Metaphase is the stage of mitosis where chromosomes align at the cell's equatorial plane, and spindle fibers attach to the centromeres.

Front

What occurs during anaphase?

Back

During anaphase, the sister chromatids are pulled apart towards 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 the G1 checkpoint?

Back

The G1 checkpoint is a control mechanism that ensures the cell is ready to enter the S phase, checking for DNA damage and sufficient resources.