The Cell Cycle and Mitosis Review (1st)

Front

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 (G1, S, G2) and the mitotic phase (mitosis and cytokinesis).

Front

What are the main stages of the cell cycle?

Back

The main stages of the cell cycle are Interphase (G1, S, G2), Mitosis (Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase), and Cytokinesis.

Front

What happens during interphase?

Back

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

Front

What is mitosis?

Back

Mitosis is the process of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells. It includes four main stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.

Front

What occurs during prophase?

Back

During prophase, chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes, the nuclear membrane begins to disintegrate, and spindle fibers start 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 of the chromosomes.

Front

What happens during anaphase?

Back

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

Front

What is telophase?

Back

Telophase is the final stage of mitosis where the chromosomes reach the poles, the nuclear membrane 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 divides into two daughter cells, completing cell division.

Front

What is the significance of the G1 phase?

Back

The G1 phase is crucial for cell growth and preparation for DNA replication. The cell increases in size and synthesizes proteins necessary for DNA synthesis.