Understanding the Cell Cycle

This set of flashcards provides key vocabulary and definitions related to the cell cycle, covering the stages and important concepts essential for understanding cell division.

Cell Cycle

The process a cell goes through to grow, replicate, and divide into two new cells.

Interphase

The preparation phase of the cell cycle where the cell spends most of its life.

G1 Phase (Gap 1)

The first stage of interphase where the cell grows, makes proteins, and checks conditions for division.

S Phase (Synthesis)

The stage of interphase where the cell copies its DNA to ensure each new cell gets an identical set of chromosomes.

G2 Phase (Gap 2)

The second stage of interphase where the cell grows further, checks for DNA errors, and prepares for division.

M Phase (Mitosis)

The phase of the cell cycle where the cell divides its duplicated DNA into two new nuclei.

Prophase

The stage of mitosis where chromosomes condense and spindle fibers form.

Metaphase

The stage of mitosis where chromosomes line up in the middle of the cell, attached to spindle fibers.

Anaphase

The stage of mitosis where chromosomes are pulled apart to opposite sides of the cell.

Telophase

The stage of mitosis where new nuclear membranes form around separated chromosomes, which start to uncoil.

Cytokinesis

The process where the cell's cytoplasm splits, creating two separate daughter cells, each with its own nucleus and identical DNA.

G0 Phase

A resting phase where some cells, like nerve cells, stop dividing and exit the cell cycle.

Cancer

A condition characterized by uncontrolled cell division, often a result of errors in the cell cycle.