Cell Cycle and Mitosis Review

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 (G1, S, G2) and the mitotic phase (M).

Front

What happens during interphase?

Back

Interphase is the phase of the cell cycle where the cell grows, duplicates its DNA, and prepares for mitosis. It consists of G1 (growth), S (DNA 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, involving phases: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.

Front

What occurs during prophase?

Back

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

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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.

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What occurs during anaphase?

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

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What occurs during telophase?

Back

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

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What is cytokinesis?

Back

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

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What is the significance of the G1 phase?

Back

The G1 phase is crucial for cell growth and preparation for DNA replication, where the cell increases in size and synthesizes proteins.

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What is the significance of the S phase?

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The S phase is where DNA replication occurs, ensuring that each daughter cell receives an identical set of chromosomes.