Cell Cycle and Mitosis

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 are the main phases of the cell cycle?

Back

The main phases of the cell cycle are interphase (G1, S, G2) and the mitotic phase (mitosis and cytokinesis).

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 of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells from a single parent cell.

Front

What are the stages of mitosis?

Back

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

Front

What happens during prophase?

Back

During prophase, the chromatin condenses into chromosomes, the nuclear envelope breaks down, and the mitotic spindle 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.

Front

What happens during anaphase?

Back

During anaphase, sister chromatids are pulled apart towards opposite poles of the cell.

Front

What happens during telophase?

Back

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

Front

What is cytokinesis?

Back

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