Cell cycle/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 (M).

Front

What occurs during interphase?

Back

Interphase is the phase of the cell cycle where 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 mitosis?

Back

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

Front

What happens during prophase?

Back

During prophase, chromosomes condense and become visible, the nuclear envelope breaks down, and the spindle apparatus begins to form.

Front

What is the role of spindle fibers?

Back

Spindle fibers are structures that pull chromosomes apart during cell division, ensuring that each daughter cell receives an identical set of chromosomes.

Front

What occurs during metaphase?

Back

During metaphase, chromosomes line up 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 chromosomes reach the poles, decondense, and the nuclear envelope re-forms around each set of chromosomes.

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

How does cytokinesis differ in animal and plant cells?

Back

In animal cells, cytokinesis occurs through cleavage furrow formation, while in plant cells, a cell plate forms to separate the two daughter cells.