The Cell Cycle

Front

What is the cell cycle?

Back

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 (M).

Front

What happens during interphase?

Back

Interphase is the phase of the cell cycle where the cell grows, replicates its DNA, and prepares for mitosis. It includes G1 (growth), S (DNA synthesis), and G2 (preparation for mitosis).

Front

Why is DNA replication important before cell division?

Back

DNA replication is crucial before cell division to ensure that each daughter cell receives an exact copy of the genetic information.

Front

What are the stages of mitosis?

Back

The stages 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 happens during metaphase?

Back

During metaphase, chromosomes align at the cell's equatorial plane, and spindle fibers attach to the centromeres of the chromosomes.

Front

What is anaphase?

Back

Anaphase is the stage of mitosis where sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles of the cell.

Front

What occurs 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 process that follows mitosis, where the cytoplasm divides, resulting in two separate daughter cells.

Front

What are daughter cells?

Back

Daughter cells are the two new cells that result from the division of a single parent cell during mitosis.