The Cell Cycle

Question 1

Cell Cycle

Answer 1

The life of a cell including:
- Cell growth
- DNA replication
- Preparation for mitosis and meiosis
- Two main stages: interphase and mitosis/cytokinesis

Question 2

Mitosis

Answer 2

The phase of the cell cycle in which the cell divides into two identical daughter cells

Question 3

DNA

Answer 3

• Deoxyribonucleic acid
• The genetic material of the cell which carries the blueprint for how to build a cell

Question 4

Chromatin

Answer 4

DNA + proteins

Question 5

Chromosomes

Answer 5

• Condensed DNA
• Appear in mitosis
• Humans have 46 chromosomes, 23 homologous pairs.

Question 6

Karyotype

Answer 6

• An organized profile of a person’s chromosomes
• The chromosomes are arranged and numbered by size, from largest to smallest

Question 7

Sister Chromatids

Answer 7

• Identical copies of a chromosome
• Joined by a centromere

Question 8

Interphase

Answer 8

• The cell grows, but only to a certain size
• Then the surface area gets too small for the volume, so the cell can’t get enough nutrients and waste in and out
• Three phases: G₁, S, and G₂

Question 9

First Growth Phase (G₁)

Answer 9

The cell produces new proteins and organelles (approximately 40% of the cell cycle)

Question 10

Synthesis Phase (S)

Answer 10

The DNA and centrioles are replicated and lined up in preparation for mitosis (approximately 30% of the cell cycle)

Question 11

Second Growth Phase (G₂)

Answer 11

The cell produces the organelles and structures needed for cell division (approximately 25% of the cell cycle)

Question 12

Mitosis (M)

Answer 12

• Cell division (approximately 5% of the cell cycle)
• The phase of the cell cycle in which the cell divides into two identical daughter cells

Question 13

Prophase

Answer 13

• Chromatin condenses into chromosomes
• Spindle fibres form
• In animal cells, centrioles move to opposite ends of the cell
• Nuclear structures and membranes break apart

Question 14

Metaphase

Answer 14

• Spindle fibres attach themselves to the centromeres of the chromatids
• Chromatids get pulled to cell’s equator
• Spindle fibres link chromatids to the centrioles at either end

Question 15

Anaphase

Answer 15

• Chromatids are pulled apart
• Separated chromosomes move to opposite ends of cell

Question 16

Telophase

Answer 16

• In animal cells, the cleavage furrow forms, in plant cells, a new cell wall forms
• Two new nuclei and nuclear membranes form
• Spindle fibres disappear
• Chromatin unravels

Question 17

Cytokinesis

Answer 17

• Cell finishes splitting in two, cytoplasm splits