Prophase
During prophase, DNA changes its physical form. What is this process called?
Condensation
Where do chromosomes align during metaphase?
Along the equatorial plane (metaphase plate)
What is the primary physical event that defines the start of anaphase in mitosis?
Sister chromatids separate and move toward opposite poles.
Which sub-phase of interphase is primarily responsible for the replication of DNA?
S phase
What is often considered the "reverse" of prophase, because the nucleus begins to reform?
Telophase
What structure completely disappears during prophase to allow the spindle access to chromosomes?
Nucleolus
What is the primary purpose of the M checkpoint (spindle checkpoint) during metaphase?
To ensure all chromosomes are properly attached to spindle fibers and aligned
How do chromosomes move toward the poles during anaphase?
Spindle fibers attached to kinetochores shorten and "reel" them in.
What happens during the G1 (Gap 1) phase?
The cell replicates its organelles and grows in size.
In animal cells, what physical structure "pinches" the cell membrane to divide the cytoplasm in two?
Cleavage furrow
What is the role of the centrosomes during prophase?
They move to opposite poles to form the mitotic spindle.
Which structure specifically links the sister chromatids to the mitotic spindle fibers?
Kinetochore
In meiosis, how does anaphase I differ from mitotic anaphase?
In anaphase I, sister chromatids stay together while homologous pairs separate.
In which stage does a cell "double-check" its duplicated DNA for errors before entering mitosis?
G2 phase
Why do plant cells form a "cell plate" instead of a cleavage furrow during cytokinesis?
The rigid cell wall prevents the membrane from pinching inward.
Which event is unique to Prophase I of meiosis and does not occur in mitotic prophase?
Synapsis and crossing over.
How does metaphase I of meiosis differ from mitotic metaphase?
In meiosis, homologous pairs (tetrads) line up together.
What happens to the overall shape of the cell during late anaphase?
It elongates as non-attached spindle fibers push the poles apart.
Besides DNA replication, what other major cellular structure is duplicated during the S phase of interphase to help organize the later stages of mitosis?
Centrosomes
What happens to the mitotic spindle during telophase?
It breaks down and disappears.
True or False: By the time a cell enters prophase, its DNA has already been replicated.
Which phase of the cell cycle immediately follows metaphase?
Anaphase
Once sister chromatids separate during anaphase, what are they individually called?
Chromosomes
What is NOT true about a cell in interphase?
It is the shortest part of the total cell cycle.
True or False: Cytokinesis is technically the final step of mitosis.
False