7.15.1 The Cell Cycle and Cell Division

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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 phases: interphase (G1, S, G2) and mitotic phase (M).

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What is mitosis?

Back

Mitosis is the process of cell division where one cell divides to produce two identical daughter cells, each with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell.

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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. Humans have 46 chromosomes in each somatic cell.

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What is a chromatid?

Back

A chromatid is one half of a duplicated chromosome, which is joined to the other half by a centromere.

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What is a centromere?

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A centromere is the region of a chromosome where the two sister chromatids are joined together and where the spindle fibers attach during cell division.

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What happens during prophase?

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

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What happens 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 happens during anaphase?

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

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What happens 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 of a parental cell is divided into two daughter cells.