Cell Cycle Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary activity during the S Phase of the cell cycle?

DNA and RNA synthesis (correct)

Preparation for mitosis

Organelles duplication

Cell growth and mass increase

Which phase of the cell cycle is the longest?

Gap 2 Phase

S Phase

Gap 1 Phase (correct)

M Phase

What happens during prophase in mitosis?

Spindle fibers are synthesized

Cell prepares for division

Chromosomes align at the equatorial plate

The nucleolus becomes less distinct (correct)

What is the main purpose of the Gap 2 Phase?

To prepare the cell for mitosis Signup and view all the answers

During which phase do spindle fibers travel to opposite poles?

Prophase Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the Mitosis process?

Results in two identical daughter cells Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a stage of mitosis?

Interphase Signup and view all the answers

What major event occurs at the end of the Gap 2 Phase?

Major checkpoint determining entry into M Phase Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary outcome of meiosis?

It produces four gametes with half the chromosome number. Signup and view all the answers

During which stage do homologous chromosomes exchange segments?

Prophase I Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding Telophase I?

Nuclear membrane reforms. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes Anaphase I in meiosis?

Homologous chromosomes move to opposite poles. Signup and view all the answers

Which process is known as 'reverse prophase'?

Telophase I Signup and view all the answers

What marks the beginning of Meiosis II?

Prophase with new spindle formation. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement describes Meiosis I?

It is known as reduction division. Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during cytokinesis?

The cytoplasm of the cell is divided. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the alignment of chromosomes during Metaphase II?

Chromosomes align on the metaphase plate with kinetochores pointing toward opposite poles. Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of Anaphase II during the process of meiosis?

Centromeres of sister chromatids separate, allowing them to move toward opposite poles. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the daughter cells produced in meiosis is true?

They contain half the number of chromosomes compared to the parent cell. Signup and view all the answers

In what way does meiosis differ from mitosis regarding the type of cells produced?

Meiosis produces gametes, while mitosis produces somatic cells. Signup and view all the answers

What is the biological significance of mitosis compared to meiosis?

Mitosis facilitates growth and repair, while meiosis is significant for sexual reproduction. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cell Cycle Overview

The cell cycle involves growth and asexual reproduction, comprising interphase and mitotic phases.
Interphase breaks down into three phases: Gap 1 (G1), Synthesis (S), and Gap 2 (G2).
M Phase, or mitotic phase, includes prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.

Interphase Details

Gap 1 Phase (G1)
- Represents the interval between cell division and DNA synthesis.
- The cell decides to enter the cycle, increases in mass and organelle number.
- Longest phase, lasting about 10 hours of a 24-hour cycle.
S Phase
- DNA and RNA synthesis occurs, doubling cellular contents.
- Takes 5-6 hours to complete.
Gap 2 Phase (G2)
- Prepares the cell for mitosis; spindle fibers and proteins are synthesized.
- End of G2 contains a major checkpoint.
- Shortest interphase phase, lasting 3-4 hours.

M Phase (Mitotic Phase)

Mitosis
- Nuclear division resulting in two genetically identical daughter cells.
- Key stages include:
  - Prophase: Chromosomes condense, nucleolus fades, and the nuclear membrane breaks down.
  - Metaphase: Chromosomes align at the equatorial plate.
  - Anaphase: Single chromatids move to opposite poles.
  - Telophase: Chromosomes decondense, nuclear membrane reforms, and cytokinesis completes cell division.

Meiosis Overview

Meiosis: A reduction division creating four reproductive cells (gametes) with half the chromosome count of the parent cell.
Involves genetic material exchange and occurs in reproductive cells.
Consists of two major phases: Meiosis I (reduction division) and Meiosis II (equational division).

Meiosis I Stages

Prophase I: Prolonged phase where homologous chromosomes undergo synapsis and crossing over occurs.
Metaphase I: Tetrads align on the metaphase plate.
Anaphase I: Homologous chromosomes separate to opposite poles.
Telophase I and Cytokinesis: Nuclear membrane reforms, and two daughter cells are formed.

Meiosis II Stages

Similar to mitosis but begins with haploid cells.
Prophase II: Spindle apparatus forms.
Metaphase II: Chromosomes align on the metaphase plate.
Anaphase II: Sister chromatids separate at centromeres.
Telophase II: Nuclei form at the poles, concurrent with cytokinesis, resulting in four haploid daughter cells.

Comparison of Mitosis and Meiosis

Types of Cells: Mitosis occurs in somatic cells; meiosis occurs in gametes.
Number of Divisions: Mitosis involves one division; meiosis involves two divisions.
Chromosomes in Parent Cells: Both processes start with 46 chromosomes (2n).
Chromosomes in Daughter Cells: Mitosis results in diploid daughter cells (46), while meiosis yields haploid daughter cells (23).
Biological Significance: Mitosis repairs tissues and promotes growth; meiosis produces sperm and eggs, maintaining chromosome numbers across generations.

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Description

Explore the stages of the cell cycle, including interphase and the phases of mitosis: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. This quiz will help you understand how cells grow and reproduce asexually through their complex cycles. Test your knowledge and deepen your comprehension of cellular processes.