Questions and Answers
What is the cell cycle?
What happens during interphase?
The cell grows, copies DNA, and prepares for division.
What occurs during prophase?
Chromosomes become visible and the nuclear membrane disappears.
What is metaphase characterized by?
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What occurs during anaphase?
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Describe telophase.
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What is cytokinesis?
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What are chromosomes?
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Study Notes
Cell Cycle
- The cell cycle involves growth, preparation for division, and ultimately splitting into two new cells.
- It consists of distinct phases that ensure proper replication and separation of genetic material.
Interphase
- This is the phase where the cell grows, duplicates its DNA, and prepares for mitosis.
- Interphase is crucial for ensuring that each daughter cell receives a complete set of genetic information.
Prophase
- Marks the beginning of mitosis; chromosomes become visible under a microscope.
- The nuclear membrane breaks down, allowing for the separation of genetic material.
Metaphase
- Chromosomes align at the cell's equator, forming what is known as the metaphase plate.
- This alignment is essential for ensuring that each daughter cell will receive the correct number of chromosomes during division.
Anaphase
- Sister chromatids separate and are pulled toward opposite poles of the cell.
- This movement ensures that each new daughter cell will inherit an identical set of chromosomes.
Telophase
- The final stage of mitosis, where new nuclei begin to form around the separated chromosomal sets.
- Cytokinesis, the division of cytoplasm, usually starts during this phase to complete cell division.
Cytokinesis
- The process of cytoplasmic division that results in the formation of two distinct daughter cells.
- Completes the cell division cycle and enables both new cells to enter interphase.
Chromosomes
- Composed of tightly coiled chromatin, they become dense, X-shaped structures visible during cell division.
- Chromosomes ensure that DNA is accurately distributed during the cell division process.
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Description
Explore the key concepts of the cell cycle and mitosis with this set of flashcards. Each card highlights essential terms and their definitions, including interphase, prophase, and metaphase. Perfect for reviewing biological processes in cell division.