Cell Division Stages Quiz

Study Notes

Interphase

The cell prepares to divide
Genetic material doubles
Sister chromatids are held together by the centromere

Prophase

Chromatin condenses
Chromatin is made up of DNA and proteins that make chromosomes
Centrioles appear and move to opposite ends of the cell
Centrioles begin the formation of spindle fibers between the poles

Metaphase

Sister chromatids line up in the center of the cell
Sister chromatids are attached to spindle fibers

Anaphase

Sister chromatids separate and are pulled to opposite ends of the cell by spindle fibers

Telophase

Two new nuclei and nuclear membranes form
Chromosomes appear as chromatin

Cytokinesis

The cell membrane moves inward to create two daughter cells
Each daughter cell contains its own nucleus with identical chromosomes

Characteristics of Life

All living things are made of one or more cells, the simplest level of life.
Not all cells are alike and they perform different functions.
The cell membrane surrounds and separates the cell from its environment.
Unicellular organisms are made of a single cell.
Multicellular organisms are made up of multiple cells.
All living things are organized.
In multicellular organisms, cells are organized into tissues, organs, and organ systems.
Growth results in an increase in living material and the formation of new structures.
All organisms grow.
Development involves structural changes that occur during an organism's lifetime.
Only multicellular organisms go through development.
Reproduction is the production of offspring.
Reproduction is vital for the survival of a species, not for an individual organism.
Without reproduction, a population would go extinct.
Extinction is when a population of organisms dies out completely.
All living things respond to stimuli, which can be air, water, weather, temperature, other organisms, etc.
Organisms respond to stimuli to stay safe and adapt to changes in their environment.
Organisms respond to the level of water and nutrients within their bodies.
Energy is the ability to make things change.
Energy powers life processes and allows organisms to carry out important functions.
Heterotrophs, like animals, get energy from food.
Autotrophs, like plants, get energy from the sun through photosynthesis.
Homeostasis is the regulation of an organism's internal environment to maintain conditions suitable for life.
Homeostasis keeps everything in balance.
Sweating is an example of how organisms maintain homeostasis.
Adaptations evolve over time through natural selection.