Question

List 2 distinguishing characteristics of each stage of the cell cycle (interphase, prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase).

Answer 1

The cell cycle is divided into the following five stages:
1. Interphase: The cell increase in size. The cell synthesize a complete copy of DNA in its nucleus.
2. Prophase: Chromosomes condense and are more visible. The nuclear membrane disappears. Centrioles separated at move to the opposite poles of the cell. Spindle fibers forms and radiate towards the center of the cell.
3. Metaphase: Chromosomes line up across the middle of the cell. Spindle fibres connect the centromere of each sister chromatid to the cell poles.
4. Anaphase: The centromere that join the sister chromatid split. Sister chromatids separate becoming individual chromosomes and moving to the opposite poles of the cell.
5. Telophase: Chromosomes uncoil. A nuclear envelope forms around each chromosome. Spindle fiber breaks down and dissolves.