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📝 Project #3: The Cell Cycle, Mitosis, and Meiosis
1. What is the Cell Cycle?
The cell cycle is the series of events that a cell goes through as it grows, develops, and divides to produce new cells. It consists of two main phases: Interphase (where the cell prepares to divide) and Cell Division (where the cell actually divides). Its main purpose is growth, repair, and reproduction of cells.
2. Definitions
a) Interphase
Interphase is the longest phase of the cell cycle. It is the period when the cell is not dividing. During this time, the cell grows, carries out its normal activities, and makes a copy of its DNA in preparation for cell division. It has three parts: G1 (growth), S (DNA replication), and G2 (preparation for division).
b) Mitosis
Mitosis is the process by which a single parent cell divides to form two identical daughter cells. Each new cell has the same number and kind of chromosomes as the parent cell. It is used for growth, repair of tissues, and asexual reproduction.
c) Meiosis
Meiosis is a type of cell division that produces sex cells — sperm and egg cells. It reduces the number of chromosomes by half, so that when fertilization happens, the new organism has the correct number of chromosomes. It produces four genetically different daughter cells.
3. Stages of Mitosis
🟡 Prophase
- The DNA condenses and becomes visible as chromosomes.
- The nuclear membrane disappears.
- Spindle fibers begin to form.
🟢 Metaphase
- Chromosomes line up in the middle of the cell.
- Spindle fibers attach to each chromosome at the center.
🔴 Anaphase
- The spindle fibers pull the chromosome pairs apart.
- Each identical half moves toward opposite ends of the cell.
🔵 Telophase
- Chromosomes reach the opposite ends of the cell.
- A new nuclear membrane forms around each set of chromosomes.
- The cell begins to pinch in the middle.
After mitosis, Cytokinesis happens — the cytoplasm divides, forming two new identical cells ✅
4. Stages of Meiosis
Meiosis happens in two rounds of division: Meiosis I and Meiosis II.
✅ Meiosis I
Prophase I — Chromosomes pair up with their matching partner; they may exchange piec
2026-10-20 00:49:43