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 and mitotic phase.

Front

What happens during interphase?

Back

During interphase, the cell grows, replicates its DNA, and prepares for cell division.

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 are the main stages of mitosis?

Back

The main stages of mitosis are prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.

Front

What occurs during prophase?

Back

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

Front

Why is metaphase important?

Back

Metaphase is important because the chromosomes line up at the cell's equator, ensuring that each daughter cell will receive an exact copy of the DNA.

Front

What happens during anaphase?

Back

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

Front

What is telophase?

Back

Telophase is the final stage of mitosis where the chromosomes reach the poles, the nuclear membrane re-forms, and the cell begins to divide.

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 significance of the G1 phase?

Back

The G1 phase is the first stage of interphase where the cell grows and synthesizes proteins necessary for DNA replication.