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 (G1, S, G2) and 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 stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.

Front

What occurs during prophase?

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During prophase, chromosomes condense and become visible, the nuclear envelope breaks down, and the mitotic spindle begins to form.

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What occurs during metaphase?

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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 by the spindle fibers.

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What occurs during telophase?

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

Front

What is cytokinesis?

Back

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

Front

What is the role of the centromere?

Back

The centromere is the region of a chromosome where sister chromatids are joined together and where the spindle fibers attach during mitosis.

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What is the significance of the G1 phase?

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The G1 phase is crucial for cell growth and preparation for DNA replication; cells increase in size and synthesize proteins necessary for DNA synthesis.