Cell Cycle Overview

Question 1

Interphase

Answer 1

Interphase is the first and longest stage of the cell cycle, involving cellular growth and duplication of chromosomes. Composed of three phases: G1, S, and G2. During interphase, the cell synthesizes necessary DNA, proteins, and organelles for growth and replication.

Question 2

Mitosis

Answer 2

Mitosis is the second stage of the cell cycle involving the complete separation of sister chromatids and nuclei. Consists of four sub-stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.

Question 3

Prophase

Answer 3

Prophase involves the condensation of chromatin into distinct chromosomes, migration of centrioles, breakdown of the nuclear membrane, and disappearance of the nucleolus.

Question 4

Metaphase

Answer 4

Metaphase sees spindle fibers fully form and attach to the centromere of each chromosome, guiding them to the cell’s equator.

Question 5

Anaphase

Answer 5

Anaphase involves the splitting of the centromere and pulling of sister chromatids to opposite ends of the cell.

Question 6

Telophase

Answer 6

Telophase is similar to prophase in reverse, with the formation of two genetically identical nuclei.

Question 7

Cytokinesis

Answer 7

Cytokinesis is the division of the cytoplasm and formation of two daughter cells.

Question 8

Animalia cell split

Answer 8

In animals, cytokinesis occurs with the development of a cleavage furrow that pinches the plasma membrane into two cells.

Question 9

Plant cell split

Answer 9

In plants, a cell plate forms at the equator before separating into two cells due to the presence of a cell wall.

Question 10

Cell Cycle Checkpoints

Answer 10

The cell cycle has three checkpoints at the end of the G1 and G2 phases, and during metaphase.

Question 11

G1

Answer 11

G1 checkpoint verifies cell size, protein synthesis for DNA replication, DNA damage, and nutrient availability.

Question 12

M

Answer 12

Metaphase checkpoint checks the formation of spindle fibers before proceeding to anaphase.

Question 13

G2

Answer 13

G2 checkpoint ensures proper DNA replication and resource availability for mitosis.

Question 14

Chromosome Structure

Answer 14

Chromosomes are structures composed of DNA tightly wrapped around histone proteins, carrying the genetic information of a cell.

Question 15

Sister chromatids

Answer 15

Sister chromatids are the identical halves of a replicated chromosome.

Question 16

Humans diploid or haploid

Answer 16

Each somatic cell in humans is diploid, containing two sets of paired chromosomes.

Question 17

Chromosomes condense

Answer 17

Chromosome condensation refers to the shortening and thickening of chromosomes during cell division.

Question 18

G1 phase

Answer 18

In the G1 phase of interphase, the cell grows by increasing cytosol volume, synthesizing proteins for DNA replication, and replicating organelles.

Question 19

G2 phase

Answer 19

The G2 phase of interphase involves further cell growth and preparation for mitosis.

Question 20

S phase

Answer 20

DNA synthesizes in cell