The Cell Cycle Basics
This is the process by which cells grow, replicate DNA, and divide.
A: What is the cell cycle?
This is the longest phase of the cell cycle.
A: What is Interphase?
The first stage of mitosis where the nuclear envelope breaks down.
A: What is Prophase?
This checkpoint checks cell size, nutrients, and DNA damage.
A: What is the G₁ checkpoint?
Programmed cell death.
A: What is apoptosis?
These body cells go through the cell cycle.
A: What are somatic cells?
During this sub‑phase, DNA is replicated.
A: What is the S phase?
Chromosomes line up at the equator during this phase.
A: What is Metaphase?
This protein complex triggers entry into M phase.
A: What is MPF (Mitosis‑Promoting Factor)?
Uncontrolled cell division is known as this.
A: What is cancer?
These cells (sperm and egg) do NOT follow the somatic cell cycle.
A: What are gametes?
This phase is where the cell grows and organelles double.
A: What is G₁?
Sister chromatids separate during this phase.
A: What is Anaphase?
This checkpoint ensures chromosomes replicated successfully and DNA is undamaged.
A: What is the G₂ checkpoint?
A cancerous tumor is called this.
A: What is malignant?
Humans have this many total chromosomes.
A: What is 46?
This resting phase is where mature cells stop dividing.
A: What is G₀?
Nuclear envelopes reform during this phase.
A: What is Telophase?
This checkpoint ensures chromosomes are attached to spindle fibers.
A: What is the M checkpoint?
A non‑cancerous tumor is called this.
A: What is benign?
This structure holds sister chromatids together.
A: What is the centromere?
Haploid means 1 copy, diploid means 2 copies, and this term means more than 2 copies.
A: What is polyploid?
This process divides the cytoplasm after mitosis.
A: What is Cytokinesis?
Failure at this checkpoint is the most common cause of cancer.
A: What is the G₁ checkpoint?
The spread of cancer to other parts of the body.
A: What is metastasis?