What is the cell cycle? What are the stages of the cell cycle?
The cell cycle is the series of steps a cell goes through to grow, copy its DNA, and divide into two new cells.
What is G0 and how is it different from G1?
G₀ is a resting state where the cell leaves the cell cycle and is not preparing to divide.
G₁ is an active stage where the cell grows, performs normal functions, and prepares to copy its DNA.
Centrosome?
Located at the opposite ends (poles) of the cell and organizes spindle fibers.
What’s the difference between haploid and diploid?
Haploid (n) cells have one set of chromosomes, while diploid (2n) cells have two sets of chromosomes, one set from each parent.
G1 phase, what happens?
A newly formed cell grows physically larger, copies its internal organelles, and makes the proteins needed to replicate its DNA.
What are the stages of mitosis?
The 4 main stages of mitosis are:
P → M → A → T
Prophase – Chromosomes condense and become visible, and the nuclear membrane breaks down.
Metaphase – Chromosomes line up in the middle of the cell.
Anaphase – Sister chromatids separate and move to opposite sides of the cell.
Telophase – Two new nuclei form around the chromosomes.
Spindle fiber?
Fibers that attach to and move/pull chromosomes during division.
What is a sister chromatid, and how does it differ from a chromosome?
A sister chromatid is one of two identical halves of a replicated chromosome, joined together at a central region called the centromere.
S phase, what happens?
The cell copies its DNA and duplicates the centrosome.
All stages of cell cycle, what happens and how do you identify them?
Prophase – Chromosomes condense and become visible, and the nuclear membrane breaks down.
Metaphase – Chromosomes line up in the middle of the cell.
Anaphase – Sister chromatids separate and move to opposite sides of the cell.
Telophase – Two new nuclei form around the chromosomes.
Sister chromatid?
One of the two identical copies of a replicated chromosome.
G2 phase, what happens?
The cell undergoes final growth, produces essential proteins and organelles, and checks its DNA for damage before entering mitosis.
Centromere?
The middle region of a chromosome that holds the sister chromatids together.
Metaphase plate?
The middle of the cell where chromosomes line up during metaphase.
M phase, what happens?
A cell divides its copied DNA and cytoplasm to create two identical daughter cells.
Kinetochore?
The attachment point on the centromere where spindle fibers connect.
What is the chromosomal number at each point in the cell cycle?
In a human cell, there are 46 chromosomes during G1, S, G2, prophase, and metaphase.
During anaphase, the number temporarily becomes 92 chromosomes, and after cytokinesis, each daughter cell has 46 chromosomes.