Cell Cycle and Mitosis

• What is the purpose of new cells in the body?

  New cells are needed for growth and repair.
• What happens to a cell before it divides?

  The cell physically grows and replicates its contents.
• What is Mitosis?

  Mitosis is when a cell reproduces itself by splitting to form two identical offspring.
• How is DNA organized before a cell divides?

  The DNA forms X-shaped chromosomes.
• What does each arm of a chromosome represent?

  Each arm of a chromosome is an exact copy of the other.
• What happens to the chromosomes during cell division?

  The chromosomes line up at the center of the cell and are pulled apart by cell fibers.
• What forms around each set of chromosomes after they are pulled apart?

  Membranes form around each of the sets of chromosomes.
• What do the membranes around the chromosomes become?

  They become the nuclei of the two new cells.
• What is the final step of cell division?

  The cytoplasm divides.
• What is the genetic relationship between the two new cells and the parent cell?

  The two new cells are genetically identical to each other and to the parent cell.
• What is the process of cell division in the context of the cell cycle?

  • Cell grows and replicates contents
  • DNA forms X-shaped chromosomes
  • Chromosomes line up at the center
  • Cell fibers pull chromosomes apart
  • Membranes form around chromosome sets
  • Cytoplasm divides
  • Two genetically identical cells are formed
• Why is DNA replicated during the cell cycle?

  DNA is replicated to ensure that each new cell has an identical copy of the genetic material.