The 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.

Front

What are the main phases of the cell cycle?

Back

The main phases of the cell cycle are Interphase (G1, S, G2) and the Mitotic phase (Mitosis 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 genetically identical daughter cells, each with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell.

Front

What happens during Prophase?

Back

During Prophase, chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes, the nuclear envelope breaks down, and spindle fibers begin 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, the centrioles pull the sister chromatids 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 Cytokinesis?

Back

Cytokinesis is the final step of cell division where the cytoplasm divides, resulting in two separate daughter cells.

Front

What is the role of spindle fibers?

Back

Spindle fibers are structures that help separate chromosomes during cell division by attaching to the centromeres and pulling them apart.