Cell Cycle and Mitosis

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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 are the main phases of mitosis?

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The main phases of mitosis are prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.

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What occurs during prophase?

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During prophase, chromosomes become visible, the nuclear envelope breaks down, and spindle fibers begin to form.

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What happens in metaphase?

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In metaphase, chromosomes align in the middle of the cell, attached to spindle fibers.

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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 ends of the cell.

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What occurs during telophase?

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During telophase, chromosomes uncoil back into chromatin, the nuclear envelope reappears, and spindle fibers disappear.

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What is cytokinesis?

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Cytokinesis is the process that follows mitosis, where the cytoplasm divides, resulting in two daughter cells.

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What is the purpose of mitosis?

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The purpose of mitosis is to ensure that each daughter cell receives an identical set of chromosomes.

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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.

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What is a sister chromatid?

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Sister chromatids are identical copies of a chromosome, connected by a centromere, formed during DNA replication.