Cell Cycle and Mitosis flashcard

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 and mitotic phase.

Front

What are the main stages of mitosis?

Back

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

Front

What occurs during prophase?

Back

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

Front

What happens during metaphase?

Back

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

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, chromosomes de-condense, the nuclear envelope re-forms around each set of chromosomes, and the cell prepares to divide.

Front

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 are chromosomes?

Back

Chromosomes are structures made of DNA and proteins that contain genetic information and become tightly packed during cell division.

Front

What is the role of centromeres?

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Centromeres are the regions of chromosomes where sister chromatids are joined and where spindle fibers attach during mitosis.

Front

What are spindle fibers?

Back

Spindle fibers are protein structures that help separate chromosomes during mitosis.