Interphase
During which phase of the cell cycle does the cell grow and perform its normal functions?
G1 Phase.
What change happens to the chromosomes during prophase?
Chromosomes condense
What is the main event that occurs during metaphase?
Chromosomes align along the metaphase plate, or equator of the cell.
What is the defining characteristic of anaphase?
Sister chromatids separate and move towards opposite poles of the cell.
What occurs during telophase that prepares the cell for cytokinesis?
Chromosomes decondense, nuclear envelope reforms, and cytokinesis begins.
Why is the G2 phase really important?
It ensures that DNA is copied correctly, not damaged, and prepared for division.
What role do centrosomes play in prophase?
Centrosomes help organize and move around spindle fibers.
What is the relationship between spindle fibers and chromosomes during metaphase?
Spindle fibers attach to chromosomes and exert forces to align them along the metaphase plate.
How might studying anaphase help scientists develop better strategies for contraception?
Could aid in the design of contraceptives that target the process of chromosome separation, potentially offering more effective and reversible methods of birth control.
What is the final step of cell division following/happening simultaneously with telophase?
Cytokinesis, the division of the cytoplasm, resulting in two separate daughter cells.
What are the key events that occur during the S phase of interphase?
DNA replication/synthesis.
How does the condensation of chromosomes in prophase contribute to the process of cell division?
Chromosome condensation helps to separate and move the chromosomes.
How do kinetochore proteins contribute to chromosome alignment in metaphase?
Kinetochore proteins attach chromosomes to spindle fibers and help start to shift them toward opposite poles of the cell during metaphase.
How are sister chromatids separated during anaphase?
Proteins holding sister chromatids together are broken or dephophrylized, allowing them to separate and move apart.
How does cytokinesis differ in animal and plant cells?
Animal cells undergo cleavage furrow formation, while plant cells form a cell plate between the nuclei of the daughter cells.
How might a mutation affecting the G1 checkpoint lead to cancer?
If not caught in time, a growth mutation may become uncontrollable and lead to uncontrollable rapid cell division.
How might defects in chromosome condensation during prophase lead to chromosomal abnormalities in daughter cells?
Defects could lead to improper chromosome separation or breakage, resulting in daughter cells with abnormal chromosome numbers or structures.
How might errors in chromosome alignment during metaphase contribute to genetic diversity?
Could result in daughter cells with different chromosome complements.
How might defects in chromosome separation during anaphase affect plant growth?
Defects in chromosome separation during anaphase could lead to abnormal growth patterns or in plants which may affect overall plant health.
How does the nuclear envelope reassemble during telophase?
Membrane vesicles derived from the ER and Golgi apparatus fuse to form the nuclear envelope around each set of chromosomes.
How could understanding cell growth during interphase help scientists develop better ways to grow plants in harsh environments?
Understanding how cells grow during interphase could help scientists engineer plants that can thrive in extreme conditions.
How might understanding the changes in chromatin structure during prophase aid in cancer research?
Abnormalities in chromatin during Prophase can drive cancer growth, which can help doctors and scientists discover new meds that target cancer cells earlier and more effectively.
How could learning about chromosome alignment during metaphase contribute to advancements in forensic science?
Understanding how chromosomes align during metaphase could help forensic scientists analyze DNA samples more accurately, aiding in criminal investigations and identification of suspects.
How might defects in chromosome separation during anaphase impact the health of an organism?
Defects in chromosome separation during anaphase could lead to genetic abnormalities or developmental disorders.
How could studying nuclear envelope formation during telophase help scientists understand how cells repair damage?
Could help provide research for processes involved in repairing damaged DNA, potentially leading to new strategies for treating diseases caused by DNA damage.