The 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 the mitotic phase.

Front

What are the main stages of mitosis?

Back

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

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 occurs during metaphase?

Back

During metaphase, chromosomes align at the cell's equatorial plane, and spindle fibers attach to the centromeres.

Front

What is anaphase?

Back

Anaphase is the stage of mitosis where sister chromatids are pulled apart towards opposite poles of the cell.

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 interphase?

Back

Interphase is the phase of the cell cycle where the cell spends most of its life, preparing for division by growing and replicating its DNA.

Front

What is the role of centrioles in mitosis?

Back

Centrioles help organize the spindle fibers that separate chromosomes during mitosis.

Front

How does mitosis differ from meiosis?

Back

Mitosis results in two identical daughter cells, while meiosis produces four genetically diverse gametes.

Front

What is the significance of mitosis in multicellular organisms?

Back

Mitosis is crucial for growth, development, and tissue repair in multicellular organisms.