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 grow and divide, including interphase (G1, S, G2) and mitotic phase (mitosis and cytokinesis).

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, involving stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.

Front

What happens during prophase?

Back

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

Front

What is the significance of metaphase?

Back

Metaphase is significant because chromosomes align at the metaphase plate, ensuring that each daughter cell will receive an identical set of chromosomes.

Front

What occurs during anaphase?

Back

During anaphase, sister chromatids are pulled apart by spindle fibers toward opposite poles of the cell.

Front

What happens during telophase?

Back

During telophase, the chromosomes reach the poles, the nuclear envelope re-forms around each set of chromosomes, and the chromosomes begin to de-condense.

Front

What is cytokinesis?

Back

Cytokinesis is the final step of cell division where the cytoplasm divides, resulting in two separate daughter cells.

Front

What is the G1 checkpoint?

Back

The G1 checkpoint is a control mechanism that ensures the cell is ready to enter the S phase, checking for DNA damage and sufficient resources.

Front

What is the G2 checkpoint?

Back

The G2 checkpoint verifies that DNA has been replicated correctly and checks for DNA damage before the cell enters mitosis.