FLASHCARDS – Lecture 2.1: Cell Cycle & Mitosis

Vocabulary flashcards covering the key phases of the cell cycle, stages of mitosis, and chromosome-related terminology.

What are the two major phases of the cell cycle?

Interphase and M phase (mitosis + cytokinesis)

What is Interphase?

The portion of the cell cycle between divisions, comprising the G1, S, and G2 phases, during which the cell grows, replicates its DNA, and prepares for mitosis.

What is the M phase (Mitotic phase) of the cell cycle?

The segment of the cell cycle that includes mitosis and cytokinesis, ultimately resulting in the creation of two daughter cells.

What happens during the G1 phase of interphase?

It is the first gap phase of interphase where the cell grows and prepares itself for DNA replication.

What is the S phase of interphase primarily known for?

It is the synthesis phase of interphase during which DNA and centrosomes are replicated.

Describe the events that occur in the G2 phase.

It is the second gap phase of interphase where the cell experiences further growth, synthesizes proteins and enzymes, and checks for any DNA errors before proceeding to mitosis.

What is Mitosis and its primary functions?

It is a type of nuclear division that produces two genetically identical nuclei, supporting essential biological processes such as growth, tissue repair, and asexual reproduction.

What is Cytokinesis?

It is the process involving the division of the cytoplasm, which follows mitosis and results in the creation of two separate daughter cells.

What characterizes the Prophase stage of mitosis?

It is the first stage of mitosis, characterized by the condensation of chromosomes, the disintegration of the nuclear envelope, and the formation of the spindle apparatus.

During which mitotic stage do chromosomes align along the metaphase plate?

Metaphase.

What key event occurs during Anaphase of mitosis?

It is the mitotic stage where sister chromatids separate and are pulled towards opposite poles of the cell.

What happens during Telophase, the final stage of mitosis?

During Telophase, nuclear envelopes reform around the chromosomes, which then de-condense.

Define a Chromatid.

It is one of the two identical strands that make up a duplicated chromosome.

What is a Dyad in the context of chromosomes?

It is a pair of sister chromatids that are joined together at a centromere.

What is a Karyotype?

It is a visual representation of all the chromosomes within a cell, typically arranged by size and shape.