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 mitotic phase (mitosis and cytokinesis).

Front

What happens during interphase?

Back

Interphase is the phase where the cell spends most of its life, preparing for division. It consists of three stages: G1 (cell growth), S (DNA synthesis), and G2 (preparation for mitosis).

Front

What is mitosis?

Back

Mitosis is the process of nuclear division in which a single cell divides to produce two identical daughter cells, each with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell.

Front

What are chromosomes?

Back

Chromosomes are structures made of DNA and protein that contain genetic information. They condense into visible structures during cell division.

Front

What occurs during prophase?

Back

During prophase, chromosomes condense and become visible, 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, preparing for separation.

Front

What is anaphase?

Back

Anaphase is the stage of mitosis where sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles of the cell.

Front

What is telophase?

Back

Telophase is the final stage of mitosis where the chromosomes de-condense, the nuclear envelope re-forms, 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 role of the spindle fibers?

Back

Spindle fibers are structures that help separate chromosomes during mitosis by attaching to the centromeres and pulling them apart.