Front

What are the main phases of the cell cycle?

Back

The main phases of the cell cycle are Interphase (G1, S, G2) and Mitotic Phase (M), which includes prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.

Front

What occurs during prophase of the cell cycle?

Back

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

Front

What is the significance of metaphase in the cell cycle?

Back

Metaphase is significant because chromosomes align at the cell's equatorial plane, ensuring that each daughter cell will receive an identical set of chromosomes during division.

Front

What happens during anaphase of the cell cycle?

Back

During anaphase, sister chromatids are pulled apart toward opposite poles of the cell, ensuring that each new cell will have the correct number of chromosomes.

Front

What is the role of the spindle fibers during mitosis?

Back

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

Front

What is the difference between cytokinesis and mitosis?

Back

Mitosis is the process of nuclear division, while cytokinesis is the division of the cytoplasm, resulting in two separate daughter cells.

Front

What is interphase and what are its sub-phases?

Back

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

Front

How does the cell cycle ensure genetic consistency in daughter cells?

Back

The cell cycle ensures genetic consistency through precise DNA replication during the S phase and accurate chromosome segregation during mitosis.

Front

What is the function of checkpoints in the cell cycle?

Back

Checkpoints in the cell cycle monitor and regulate the progression of the cell cycle, ensuring that cells do not proceed to the next phase until certain conditions are met.

Front

What is the role of cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) in the cell cycle?

Back

Cyclins and CDKs regulate the cell cycle by activating or deactivating proteins necessary for progression through different phases.