Mitosis

• What are the structures called that organize an organism's DNA into arrays of genes?

  Chromosomes
• What is the primary function of chromosomes?

  To serve as vehicles for transmitting genetic information
• What are the two major processes involved in the genetic continuity of nucleated cells?

  Mitosis and meiosis
• What is the outcome of mitosis in terms of chromosome number?

  It produces two cells with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell
• Why is the reduction in the number of chromosomes during meiosis important?

  It is important for the production of sex cells or gametes
• In which type of organisms is mitosis important?

  All eukaryotic organisms
• What type of reproduction does mitosis facilitate in organisms like protozoans, fungi, and algae?

  Asexual reproduction
• What is the sequence of events that occurs during nuclear division?

  The genetic material is partitioned into daughter cells during karyokinesis
• What follows karyokinesis in the cell division process?

  Cytoplasmic division (cytokinesis)
• What is the role of cytokinesis in cell division?

  It partitions the cell volume into two parts and encloses each new cell in a distinct plasma membrane
• How are organelles formed during cytokinesis?

  They are formed either by replication, arise from existing structures, or can be synthesized de novo
• What is the significance of mitotic activity in adult organisms?

  It is the basis for wound healing and cell replacement of certain tissues
• What is a tumor?

  An abnormal production of cells
• What does the cell cycle describe?

  The sequence of activities a cell prepares for division and then divides
• What are the stages of the cell cycle?

  1. Interphase

  • G1
  • S phase
  • G2

  1. Mitosis

  • Prophase
  • Prometaphase
  • Metaphase
  • Anaphase
  • Telophase
• What occurs during interphase?

  It is devoted to the cell's growth, normal function, and DNA replication
• What is the S phase of interphase?

  It is the period when DNA synthesis occurs
• What happens during the G1 phase of interphase?

  Cells accomplish most of their growth and make RNA, proteins, and organelles
• What is the role of the G2 phase in interphase?

  Cells continue to grow, make proteins, and reorganize content for mitosis
• What is the "quality control point" during G2 phase?

  It is a check of the integrity of the DNA
• What happens at the end of G2 phase?

  DNA has been replicated and the cell volume has doubled
• What happens to cells during G1 phase regarding the cell cycle?

  They either withdraw from the cycle and enter the G0 stage or proceed through G1
• What is the G0 stage in the cell cycle?

  It is a resting phase where cells are viable and metabolically active but not proliferative
• Why do cells enter the G0 stage?

  They may no longer need to divide or lack necessary nutrients or energy
• What is chromatin?

  It is formed from the uncoiling and dispersal of chromosomes after the previous mitosis
• What phase of mitosis is characterized by the migration of centrioles to opposite ends of the cell?

  Prophase
• What happens to the nuclear envelope during prophase?

  It breaks down and disappears
• What are sister chromatids?

  They are the two parts of each chromosome that are genetically identical
• What is the role of cohesin during mitosis?

  Cohesin holds sister chromatids together
• What occurs during prometaphase?

  It refers to the period of chromosome movement
• What is the metaphase plate?

  It is the midline region of the cell where chromosomes align during metaphase
• What is the function of the kinetochore?

  It binds spindle fibers to the chromosomes
• What is the role of separase during anaphase?

  It degrades the cohesion between sister chromatids
• What is shugoshin's role during mitosis?

  Shugoshin acts as a "guardian spirit" to protect cohesin during metaphase
• What happens during anaphase?

  The sister chromatids separate and are pulled to opposite ends of the cell
• What is disjunction in the context of anaphase?

  It is the separation of sister chromatids from one another
• What occurs at the completion of telophase?

  The cell enters interphase after cytokinesis
• How do animal cells undergo cytokinesis?

  They undergo constriction of the cytoplasm, producing a cleavage furrow
• What happens to chromosomes during telophase?

  They begin to uncoil and become diffuse chromatin again
• What happens to the nuclear envelope during telophase?

  It reforms around the two sets of chromosomes