Cell cycle and Mitosis

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 duplication (replication). It consists of interphase and the mitotic phase.

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What are the main stages of the cell cycle?

Back

The main stages of the cell cycle are Interphase (G1, S, G2) and the Mitotic phase (M phase, which includes mitosis and cytokinesis).

Front

What occurs during Interphase?

Back

During Interphase, the cell grows, duplicates its DNA, and prepares for mitosis. It consists of G1 (cell growth), S (DNA synthesis), and G2 (preparation for mitosis).

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What happens in Prophase of mitosis?

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In Prophase, chromosomes become visible, the nuclear envelope breaks down, and spindle fibers begin 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.

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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 is Telophase?

Back

Telophase is the final stage of mitosis where chromosomes de-condense back into chromatin, the nuclear envelope re-forms, and the cell prepares to divide.

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What is Cytokinesis?

Back

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 a centromere?

Back

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

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What is the longest phase of the cell cycle?

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The longest phase of the cell cycle is Interphase.