Cell Cycle

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 replication. It consists of phases including interphase, mitosis, and cytokinesis.

Front

What are the main phases of the cell cycle?

Back

The main phases of the cell cycle are Interphase (G1, S, G2), Mitosis (Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase), and Cytokinesis.

Front

What occurs during interphase?

Back

During interphase, the cell grows, duplicates its DNA, and prepares for mitosis. It consists of three sub-phases: 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 identical daughter cells, each with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell.

Front

What is cytokinesis?

Back

Cytokinesis is the final stage of the cell cycle where the cytoplasm of a parental cell is divided into two daughter cells.

Front

What happens during prophase?

Back

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

Front

What happens during anaphase?

Back

During anaphase, sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles of the cell, ensuring each daughter cell will receive an identical set of chromosomes.

Front

What happens during telophase?

Back

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 the purpose of the cell cycle?

Back

The purpose of the cell cycle is to enable growth, repair damaged tissues, and replace dead or dying cells.