the cell cycle Flashcards
what is the cell cycle?
the repeating cycle in the life of a cell
what are the 2 phases?
interphase and metaphase
what is interphase?
when a cell prepares to divide
what is mitosis?
the process of one cell dividing into two cells?
how long does the cycle last?
length varies between cells
some cells do not divide at all (ex. brain cells)
what are the three stages of interphase?
G1 -> S -> G2
what is G1?
first growth phase
period of growth
produces new proteins and organelles
what is S?
synthesis (DNA replication)
cell synthesizes entire copy of DNA]
what is G2?
second growth phase
cell produces organelles and structures for cell division
which is the shortest stage of interphase?
G2
what are the four stages of mitosis?
prophase -> metaphase -> anaphase -> telophase
what is prophase?
DNA recoils, chromosomes condense
nuclear membrane disappears
mitotic spindles begin to form
what is metaphase?
organizational phase
spindle fibres attach to chromosomes at centrosome
centrosomes line up in the middle of the cell
what is anaphase?
separation phase
the chromosomes split at the centromere
the sister chromatids are pulled to opposite sides of the cell
what is telophase?
chromatids, cytoplasm, and organelles divide in two
