Study Guide: Mitosis and Cytokinesis

What are the phases of the cell cycle?

The cell cycle consists of interphase (G1, S, G2) the mitotic (M) phase and Cytokinesis

What is the function of mitosis?

Mitosis ensures equal distribution of genetic material.

What is cytokinesis?

Cytokinesis is the final process of cell division, splitting one parent cell into two daughter cells.

What happens during interphase?

DNA is in a loosely packed euchromatin state, the nucleus is intact, and the cell prepares for division by replicating DNA during S phase.

What is the significance of prophase?

Chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes, and the nuclear envelope begins to break down.

What occurs during metaphase?

Chromosomes align along the metaphase plate, and the spindle checkpoint ensures proper attachment of chromatids to spindle fibers.

Define anaphase.

Anaphase is when sister chromatids separate and are pulled toward opposite poles of the cell.

What happens in telophase?

Chromosomes arrive at opposite poles, begin decondensing back into chromatin, and the nuclear envelope re-forms.

Compare cytokinesis in animal and plant cells.

In animal cells, a cleavage furrow forms; in plant cells, a cell plate develops into a new cell wall.

What is chromatin?

Loosely packed DNA found in the nucleus during interphase.

Define chromosome.

Condensed DNA that is visible during mitosis.

What are sister chromatids?

Identical copies of a chromosome, joined at the centromere.

What is a centromere?

The region where sister chromatids are joined.

Define mitotic spindle.

A microtubule structure that pulls chromatids apart during mitosis.

What is the metaphase plate?

The imaginary line where chromosomes align during metaphase.

What is a cleavage furrow?

The indentation in an animal cell membrane during cytokinesis.

What is a cell plate?

The structure that forms in plant cells to divide the cytoplasm.