2.31&2.32 Flashcard: Cell division and 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 interphase and the mitotic phase.

Front

What happens during interphase?

Back

During interphase, the cell grows, duplicates its DNA, and prepares for mitosis. It is divided into three phases: G1 (growth), S (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 from a single parent cell.

Front

What are the main phases of mitosis?

Back

The main 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 occurs 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 occurs during anaphase?

Back

During anaphase, sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles of the cell as the spindle fibers shorten.

Front

What occurs during telophase?

Back

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

Front

What is cytokinesis?

Back

Cytokinesis is the process that follows mitosis, where the cytoplasm of a parental cell is divided into two daughter cells.

Front

What is DNA replication?

Back

DNA replication is the process by which a cell makes an exact copy of its DNA, ensuring that each daughter cell receives a complete set of genetic information.