Cell cycle

• What is the cell cycle?

  The series of events that cells go through as they grow and divide.
• What does the cell cycle represent in a cell's life?

  It represents the life of the cell from its formation until its division into two cells.
• What are the main events that occur during the cell cycle?

  1. A cell grows.
  2. The cell prepares for division.
  3. The cell divides to form two daughter cells.
• What are the five major phases of the cell cycle?

  G₁, S, G₂, mitosis, and cytokinesis.
• What is interphase comprised of?

  Interphase is comprised of the G₁, S, and G₂ phases.
• What are mitosis and cytokinesis collectively called?

  M phase or the mitosis (M) phase of the cell cycle.
• What must a cell do before it can begin mitosis?

  It must form duplicates of its chromosomes and produce a supply of organelles for the two daughter cells.
• What are the stages of interphase?

  1. G₁ phase (Gap 1): The cell grows, and the number of organelles doubles.
  2. S phase (Synthesis): Replication of DNA occurs; the cell's DNA is duplicated.
  3. G₂ phase (Gap 2): The cell assembles special structures needed for cell division.
• What happens after interphase is complete?

  The cell is ready to begin the process of cell division (mitosis or meiosis).
• How much time does interphase account for in the cell cycle?

  90% of the time.
• What is the function of centrioles in the cell cycle?

  To create the spindle fibers that pull apart the chromosomes.
• What happens to centrioles as spindle microtubules grow out of them?

  They begin to move apart.
• What is the structure of the nucleus during interphase?

  The nucleus is well defined and bounded by the nuclear membrane.
• When during the cell cycle are chromosomes visible?

  During all parts of the cell