Cell Cycle and Mitosis

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What is the cell cycle?

Back

The cell cycle is the series of phases that a cell goes through to divide and replicate. It includes interphase (G1, S, G2) and the mitotic phase (mitosis and cytokinesis).

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What happens during Prophase?

Back

During prophase, chromosomes condense into visible rod-like structures, the nuclear envelope begins to break down, and spindle fibers start to form.

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What is Metaphase?

Back

Metaphase is the stage of mitosis where chromosomes align at the cell's equatorial plane, and spindle fibers attach to the centromeres of the chromosomes.

Front

What occurs during Anaphase?

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During anaphase, sister chromatids are pulled apart by spindle fibers and move towards opposite poles of the cell.

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What is Telophase?

Back

Telophase is the final stage of mitosis where the chromosomes reach the poles, de-condense back into chromatin, and the nuclear envelope re-forms around each set of chromosomes.

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What is Cytokinesis?

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

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What is Interphase?

Back

Interphase is the phase of the cell cycle where the cell prepares for division, consisting of G1 (growth), S (DNA synthesis), and G2 (preparation for mitosis).

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What is the role of spindle fibers?

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Spindle fibers are structures that help separate chromosomes during mitosis by attaching to the centromeres and pulling them apart.

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What is a chromosome?

Back

A chromosome is a long, thread-like structure made of DNA and proteins that contains genetic information.

Front

What is a chromatid?

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A chromatid is one half of a duplicated chromosome, which is joined to its sister chromatid at the centromere.