Cell Cycle and Mitosis Overview

Questions and Answers

What occurs during Interphase?

DNA replicates (correct)

Cell grows and carries out normal cell processes (correct)

Chromosomes unwind into chromatin

Nuclear membrane disintegrates

What happens during Prophase?

Nuclear membrane disintegrates, nucleolus disappears, chromatin coils into chromosomes, spindle fibers begin to form between the poles.

Describe the Metaphase stage of cell division.

Spindle fibers attach to paired sister chromatids and chromosomes move to the equator.

What occurs during Anaphase?

Chromatids separate when the centromere of each chromosome splits and spindle fibers shorten to pull chromosomes to opposite poles. Signup and view all the answers

What are the key events that occur during Telophase?

Chromosomes unwind into chromatin, nuclear membrane re-forms, nucleolus reappears, and centrioles and spindle fibers disappear. Signup and view all the answers

What is Cytokinesis?

In animal cells, a cleavage furrow forms Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Interphase

The cell undergoes growth and performs normal cellular functions.
DNA replication occurs, ensuring each new cell has an identical set of DNA.
DNA exists in the form of chromatin, dispersed throughout the nucleus.
Centrioles containing a centromere are located outside the nuclear membrane.

Prophase

The nuclear membrane disintegrates, allowing access to the genetic material.
The nucleolus disappears, marking the transition to mitosis.
Chromatin condenses into distinct chromosomes, making them visible under a microscope.
Spindle fibers begin to form, originating from the poles of the cell.

Metaphase

Spindle fibers attach to the paired sister chromatids, securing them for separation.
Chromosomes align at the cell's equator, organizing for division.

Anaphase

Sister chromatids separate as the centromere splits, transitioning to individual chromosomes.
Spindle fibers shorten, pulling chromatids toward opposite poles of the cell.

Telophase

Chromosomes unwind back into chromatin, preparing for the next interphase.
The nuclear membrane reforms around each set of chromosomes.
The nucleolus reappears, signaling the end of nuclear division.
Centrioles and spindle fibers disappear, concluding mitotic processes.

Cytokinesis

This process immediately follows mitosis, completing cell division.
In animal cells, a cleavage furrow forms at the cell's equator, pinching inwards until the cell splits into two separate cells.

Description

Explore the stages of the cell cycle and the processes involved in mitosis. This quiz covers interphase, prophase, metaphase, and anaphase, detailing the key events at each stage. Test your knowledge on cell division and genetic replication!