Cell Cycle & Mitosis

Front

What is the cell cycle?

Back

The cell cycle is a series of phases that a cell goes through to grow and divide, consisting of Interphase, Mitosis, and Cytokinesis.

Front

What happens during Interphase?

Back

Interphase is the longest phase of the cell cycle where the cell grows, duplicates its DNA, and prepares for mitosis.

Front

What are the phases of Mitosis?

Back

The phases of Mitosis are Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, and Telophase.

Front

What occurs during Prophase?

Back

During Prophase, the chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes, the nuclear envelope breaks down, and the spindle apparatus begins to form.

Front

What is Metaphase?

Back

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

Front

What is Anaphase?

Back

Anaphase is the phase where sister chromatids are pulled apart toward opposite poles of the cell.

Front

What is Telophase?

Back

Telophase is the final stage of mitosis where chromosomes de-condense, the nuclear envelope re-forms, and the cell prepares to divide.

Front

What is Cytokinesis?

Back

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

Front

What is the significance of the S phase in Interphase?

Back

The S phase is crucial because it is when DNA replication occurs, ensuring that each daughter cell receives an identical set of chromosomes.

Front

What is a kinetochore?

Back

A kinetochore is a protein structure on the chromosome where the spindle fibers attach during cell division.