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 from its formation to its division into two daughter cells. It includes 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 interphase?

Back

Interphase is the phase of the cell cycle where the cell prepares for division. It consists of G1 (growth), S (DNA synthesis), and G2 (preparation for mitosis) phases.

Front

What occurs during prophase?

Back

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

Front

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.

Front

What happens during anaphase?

Back

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

Front

What occurs 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 process that follows mitosis, where the cytoplasm divides, resulting in two separate daughter cells.

Front

What role do spindle fibers play in mitosis?

Back

Spindle fibers are responsible for separating the chromosomes during mitosis by attaching to the centromeres and pulling them apart.

Front

What is the significance of the G1 phase in interphase?

Back

The G1 phase is crucial for cell growth and preparation for DNA replication, where the cell increases in size and synthesizes proteins.