Questions and Answers
What phase of the cell cycle is Metaphase?
Metaphase
What phase of the cell cycle is Anaphase?
Anaphase
What phase of the cell cycle is Telophase?
Telophase
What phase of the cell cycle is Interphase?
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What phase of the cell cycle is Prophase?
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What phase of the cell cycle is Telophase/Cytokinesis?
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Study Notes
Cell Cycle Phases Overview
- The cell cycle consists of several distinct phases: Interphase and Mitosis (which includes Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, and Telophase).
Interphase
- The longest phase of the cell cycle, consisting of three sub-phases: G1 (cell growth), S (DNA replication), and G2 (preparation for mitosis).
- Cell prepares for division by growing in size and synthesizing proteins and organelles.
Prophase
- First stage of mitosis where chromatin condenses into distinct chromosomes.
- Centrioles move to opposite poles and spindle fibers begin to form.
- Nuclear membrane starts to break down.
Metaphase
- Chromosomes align along the metaphase plate (cell's equatorial plane).
- Spindle fibers attach to the centromeres of chromosomes, ensuring proper segregation.
Anaphase
- Sister chromatids are pulled apart toward opposite poles by the spindle fibers.
- Ensures each new daughter cell receives an identical set of chromosomes.
Telophase
- Chromatids reach the poles and begin to de-condense back into chromatin.
- Nuclear envelopes reform around each set of chromosomes, resulting in two nuclei.
Cytokinesis
- The final stage of the cell cycle, splitting the cytoplasm of the parent cell into two daughter cells.
- In animal cells, this process is often characterized by the formation of a cleavage furrow.
Key Repetition of Concepts
- Anaphase appears multiple times, signaling its critical role in chromosome segregation.
- Metaphase also frequently mentioned, highlighting its significance in ensuring accurate alignment before separation.
Overview of Mitosis Stages
- Mitosis involves a carefully orchestrated series of events to ensure correct cell division, vital for growth, repair, and reproduction in multicellular organisms.
- Interphase is essential for growth and preparation, while the subsequent mitotic phases ensure the accurate division of genetic material.
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