The Cell Cycle

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What is the cell cycle?

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The cell cycle is the series of events that take place in a cell leading to its division and duplication (replication). It consists of phases: interphase (G1, S, G2) and mitotic phase (mitosis and cytokinesis).

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What is a chromosome?

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A chromosome is a long, thread-like structure made of DNA and proteins that contains genetic information. Humans have 46 chromosomes in each somatic cell.

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What is a chromatid?

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A chromatid is one half of a duplicated chromosome. After DNA replication, each chromosome consists of two identical sister chromatids.

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What is a centromere?

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A centromere is the region of a chromosome where the two sister chromatids are joined together. It plays a crucial role during cell division.

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What happens during interphase?

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Interphase is the phase of the cell cycle where the cell grows, duplicates its DNA, and prepares for mitosis. It consists of G1, S, and G2 phases.

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What occurs during prophase?

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

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What is metaphase?

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

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What happens during anaphase?

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During anaphase, the sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles of the cell, ensuring each new cell will receive an identical set of chromosomes.

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What is telophase?

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Telophase is the stage of mitosis where the chromosomes reach the poles, the nuclear membranes reform around each set of chromosomes, and the cell prepares to divide.

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What is cytokinesis?

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