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General Biology: The Cell Cycle

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  • What is the cell cycle?
    The cell cycle is the series of events that cells go through as they grow and divide.
  • Name the main phases of the cell cycle.
    The main phases are interphase (G1, S, G2) and mitotic phase (mitosis and cytokinesis).
  • What happens during the G1 phase?
    In G1 phase, the cell grows and performs normal functions while preparing for DNA replication.
  • What occurs during the S phase?
    During the S phase, the cell replicates its DNA, doubling its genetic material.
  • Describe the G2 phase.
    In G2 phase, the cell continues to grow and prepares for mitosis by producing necessary proteins.
  • What is mitosis?
    Mitosis is the process where the cell's nucleus divides, distributing duplicated chromosomes into two daughter nuclei.
  • What is cytokinesis?
    Cytokinesis is the division of the cytoplasm, resulting in two separate daughter cells.
  • List the stages of mitosis in order.
    Prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.
  • What happens during prophase?
    Chromosomes condense, the nuclear envelope breaks down, and the mitotic spindle begins to form.
  • Describe metaphase.
    Chromosomes align at the cell's equator, attached to spindle fibers from opposite poles.
  • What occurs in anaphase?
    Sister chromatids separate and move toward opposite poles of the cell.
  • Explain telophase.
    Chromosomes decondense, nuclear envelopes reform around each set of chromosomes.
  • What controls the progression of the cell cycle?
    The cell cycle is regulated by checkpoints and proteins like cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs).
  • What is the function of the G1 checkpoint?
    It checks for cell size, nutrients, growth factors, and DNA damage before allowing entry into S phase.
  • Why is the S phase checkpoint important?
    It ensures DNA replication is complete and undamaged before the cell proceeds to G2.
  • What is the role of the M checkpoint?
    It ensures all chromosomes are properly attached to the spindle before anaphase begins.
  • Define apoptosis in relation to the cell cycle.
    Apoptosis is programmed cell death that removes damaged or unneeded cells during the cell cycle.
  • How does cancer relate to the cell cycle?
    Cancer results from uncontrolled cell division due to failures in cell cycle regulation.
  • What is the difference between mitosis and meiosis?
    Mitosis produces two identical diploid cells; meiosis produces four genetically diverse haploid cells.
  • Why is DNA replication important before mitosis?
    It ensures each daughter cell receives an identical set of chromosomes.