Phases of the Cell Cycle
What is the longest phase of the cell cycle?
Interphase
What happens during prophase?
Chromosomes condense and spindle fibers form.
What is the name for two identical cells made at the end of the cycle?
Daughter cells
What is the purpose of cell cycle checkpoints?
To make sure the cell is ready to move to the next phase.
What body process is the cell cycle responsible for after a cut?
Healing or tissue repair
During which phase is DNA replicated?
S (Synthesis) phase
What is the second stage of mitosis when chromosomes line up in the middle?
Metaphase
What’s the name for the division of the cytoplasm?
Cytokinesis
What happens if a cell has damaged DNA at a checkpoint?
It is paused or destroyed
Which medical professional uses knowledge of cell division to treat cancer?
Oncology nurse or oncologist
During which phase does the cell replicate organelles and produce enzymes needed for mitosis, and why is this important?
G2 phase; this ensures the cell has enough cellular machinery and energy to complete mitosis and divide properly.
What role do centrioles and spindle fibers play during mitosis, and during which phase are they most active?
They help organize and pull apart chromosomes, especially during metaphase and anaphase.
What structure pulls chromosomes apart during mitosis?
Spindle fibers
What can result if cells divide uncontrollably?
Cancer
Which cell type is replaced often due to a short life span?
Red blood cells or skin cells
Why does interphase take up more time than the M phase, and what risks might occur if interphase is rushed?
Because the cell must grow, copy DNA accurately, and check for damage. Rushing it can lead to mutations or incomplete DNA replication.
How does the alignment of chromosomes during metaphase ensure equal genetic division, and what can go wrong?
Chromosomes line up at the equator so each chromatid can be pulled to opposite sides. If alignment is off, one daughter cell may get too many or too few chromosomes
What are the identical halves of a chromosome called?
Sister chromatids
What might happen if a cell skips the G2 checkpoint and enters mitosis with unrepaired DNA?
It could result in broken or incomplete chromosomes, leading to mutations, failed division, or cancer.
What kind of scientist studies the cell cycle in labs to find new treatments?
Biomedical researcher
Explain how the S phase ensures both daughter cells receive identical genetic information and what mechanisms help avoid errors.
DNA is copied so each chromosome has an identical sister chromatid.
Describe how telophase and cytokinesis differ in animal vs. plant cells and explain the structural reason behind this difference.
Animal cells form a cleavage furrow and pinch inward, while plant cells form a cell plate due to their rigid cell wall. The difference is due to the plant cell’s inflexible wall structure.
What do you call programmed cell death that protects the body from damaged cells?
Apoptosis
Explain how mutations in checkpoint genes can contribute to cancer development.
Mutations stop the cycle to repair damage or trigger apoptosis. If mutated, the cell may continue dividing with damaged DNA, increasing cancer risk.
How might a cytotechnologist use their knowledge of the cell cycle?
To detect abnormal cells under a microscope (like in Pap smears).