Cell Cycle Notes

Cell Cycle Terminology

  • Prophase: Chromosomes condense and become visible; nucleolus fades; spindle fibers form; nuclear membrane begins to disintegrate.
  • Metaphase: Chromosomes align at the cell equator (metaphase plate); spindle fibers connect to centromeres.
  • Anaphase: Sister chromatids separate and move toward opposite poles of the cell.
  • Telophase: Chromatids reach poles; nuclear membranes reform; cytokinesis begins.
  • Interphase: Period of cell growth and preparation for mitosis; chromosomes replicated but not visible.

Key Phases

  1. Sister Chromatid Movement: Anaphase
  2. Nucleolus Fades: Prophase
  3. Nuclear Membrane Reforms: Telophase
  4. Cytoplasm Divided: Cytokinesis
  5. Chromosomes Invisibility: Interphase
  6. Equatorial Alignment: Metaphase
  7. Nuclear Membrane Breakdown: Prophase
  8. Cleavage Furrow Appearance: Telophase
  9. Chromatids Move to Poles: Anaphase
  10. Chromatids Aligned: Metaphase
  11. Spindle Formation: Prophase
  12. Cytokinesis Completion: Telophase
  13. Cell Plate Formation: Telophase
  14. Chromosome Replication: Interphase
  15. Reverse of Prophase: Telophase
  16. Organizational Phase: Interphase

Mitosis Questions

  • Daughter cells after mitosis are in Interphase.
  • Centromeres divide during Anaphase.
  • Chromatin condenses during Prophase.
  • Structure connecting chromatids is the Centromere.
  • Individual chromosome in a pair is called a Chromatid.
  • Two parts of cell division: Mitosis and Cytokinesis.
  • Structure for chromosome movement formed in Prophase is the Spindle Fibers.
  • Last phase where chromatids are together: Metaphase.
  • Non-dividing cell phase: Interphase.
  • Structure produced from centrioles: Spindle Fibers.
  • Structure that forms across the cell during telophase: Cell Plate.
  • Period of growth between mitotic divisions: Interphase.
  • Phase where cytokinesis occurs: Telophase.

Additional Questions

  • Longest phase of cell cycle: Interphase.
  • Importance of Mitosis: Ensures equal distribution of chromosomes to daughter cells.
  • Faulty spindle fibers consequences: Unequal chromosome distribution; potential cell death or malfunction.
  • Skipping cytokinesis consequences: Potential formation of multinucleated cells; failure to complete cell division.