7 Cell Division and the Cell Cycle Free Online FlashCards

What is the cell cycle?

The cell cycle is the sequence of growth, DNA replication, and division through which a cell produces new cells.

What happens during G₁?

During G₁, the cell grows, carries out its normal functions, and makes proteins and other cell components.

What happens to DNA during S phase?

During S phase, the cell replicates its DNA, producing two identical sister chromatids joined at a centromere for each chromosome.

What is the main role of G₂?

During G₂, the cell grows further and prepares the materials needed for division.

What is G₀?

G₀ is a resting or specialized state that some cells enter after leaving the cell cycle.

What does the G₁ checkpoint assess?

The G₁ checkpoint assesses whether conditions support division, including cell size, growth signals, and DNA integrity. The cell may pause, attempt repair, or enter G₀.

What does the G₂ checkpoint verify?

The G₂ checkpoint checks that DNA replication is complete and the DNA is sufficiently intact before mitosis begins.

What does the M checkpoint check?

The M (spindle) checkpoint verifies that chromosomes are properly attached to spindle fibers before sister chromatids separate, reducing the risk of unequal chromosome sets in daughter cells.

What is the usual outcome of mitosis?

Mitosis divides one nucleus into two nuclei with the same chromosome number and, ordinarily, the same genetic information.

What happens during metaphase?

During metaphase, chromosomes align near the middle of the cell.

How does cytokinesis differ in animal and plant cells?

Cytokinesis divides the cytoplasm. Animal cells form a cleavage furrow, while plant cells form a cell plate that develops into a partition.

What separates during meiosis I?

Meiosis I separates homologous chromosomes. In prophase I, homologs pair and may exchange DNA segments through crossing over.