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 and mitosis.

Front

What are the main phases of the cell cycle?

Back

The main phases are Interphase (G1, S, G2) and Mitosis (Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase).

Front

What occurs during Interphase?

Back

During Interphase, the cell grows, duplicates its DNA, and prepares for mitosis.

Front

What is mitosis?

Back

Mitosis is the process by which a cell divides its nucleus and genetic material to form two identical daughter cells.

Front

What happens during Prophase?

Back

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

Front

What occurs during Metaphase?

Back

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

Front

What is Anaphase?

Back

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

Front

What happens during Telophase?

Back

During Telophase, chromosomes de-condense back into chromatin, 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 separate cells.

Front

How long does a cell spend in Interphase compared to Mitosis?

Back

A cell spends about 90% of its time in Interphase and only about 10% in Mitosis.