Mitosis/Cell Cycle

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What is Mitosis?

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Mitosis is the process of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells from a single parent cell. It consists of several phases: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.

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What is the Cell Cycle?

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The Cell Cycle is the series of phases that a cell goes through from its formation to its division into daughter cells. It includes interphase (G1, S, G2) and the mitotic phase (M).

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Define 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 happens during Prophase?

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

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What occurs in Metaphase?

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In metaphase, chromosomes align at the cell's equatorial plane, known as the metaphase plate, and spindle fibers attach to the centromeres of the chromosomes.

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What is Anaphase?

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Anaphase is the stage of mitosis where sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles of the cell, ensuring each daughter cell will receive an identical set of chromosomes.

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Define Telophase.

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Telophase is the final stage of mitosis where the chromosomes reach the poles, the nuclear envelope re-forms around each set of chromosomes, and the chromosomes begin to de-condense.

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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, completing cell division.

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What are the phases of Interphase?

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Interphase consists of three phases: G1 (cell growth), S (DNA synthesis), and G2 (preparation for mitosis).

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What is the significance of the G1 phase?

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The G1 phase is crucial for cell growth and preparation for DNA replication. Cells increase in size and synthesize proteins necessary for DNA synthesis.