Prophase
What happens to the chromatin during prophase?
Chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes.
What major event differentiates prometaphase from prophase?
The nuclear envelope fragments completely.
Where are chromosomes located during metaphase?
Along the metaphase plate (equator).
What happens to sister chromatids in anaphase?
They separate and move to opposite poles.
What happens to chromosomes during telophase?
They decondense into chromatin.
What structure forms during prophase to organize chromosomes?
The mitotic spindle.
What part of the chromosome do spindle fibers attach to in prometaphase?
The kinetochore.
What term describes the alignment of chromosomes at the metaphase plate?
Metaphase alignment.
What protein is degraded to allow sister chromatid separation?
Cohesin.
What re-forms around each set of chromosomes during telophase?
The nuclear envelope.
What happens to the nuclear envelope in prophase?
It begins to break down.
What is the kinetochore's role in prometaphase?
It helps pull chromosomes towards the cell's equatorial plane.
What checkpoint occurs during metaphase?
The spindle assembly checkpoint.
What powers the movement of chromatids during anaphase?
Motor proteins on microtubules.
How does telophase reverse prophase events?
The spindle breaks down and nuclear structures reappear.
How do the centrioles behave in animal cells during prophase?
They move to opposite poles of the cell.
How does chromosome movement occur during prometaphase?
Spindle fibers attach and push/pull chromosomes towards the middle.
What ensures equal chromosome separation during metaphase?
Tension from spindle fibers attached to kinetochores.
How do microtubules contribute to chromatid movement?
Kinetochore microtubules shorten, pulling chromatids apart.
What happens to the nucleolus in telophase?
It reappears in each daughter nucleus.
What role do microtubules play in this phase?
They begin forming spindle fibers to attach to chromosomes.
What is the difference between astral and kinetochore microtubules during this phase?
Astral microtubules stabilize the spindle; kinetochore microtubules attach to chromosomes.
How does metaphase ensure accuracy in division?
By pausing until all chromosomes are properly aligned and attached.
What happens to the poles of the cell during anaphase?
They move farther apart, elongating the cell.
How is telophase linked to cytokinesis?
Telophase prepares the cell for physical division in cytokinesis.