Cell Division: Mitosis

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to cell division, specifically mitosis, and provide definitions for important biological concepts.

Interphase

The stage where a cell prepares for division by growing and duplicating its DNA.

Prophase

The first stage of mitosis where chromatin condenses into chromosomes.

Metaphase

The stage of mitosis where chromosomes align at the cell's equator.

Anaphase

The stage of mitosis where sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles.

Telophase

The stage of mitosis where two nuclei form around the separated chromosomes.

Cytokinesis

The process during cell division where the cytoplasm separates, resulting in two daughter cells.

Mitosis

The process of cell division that produces two identical daughter cells with the same chromosome number.

Chromosome

A structure made of DNA and proteins that carries genetic information.

Sister Chromatids

Identical copies of a chromosome joined at the centromere.

Centromere

The narrowed region of a chromosome where sister chromatids are joined.

Cleavage Furrow

The indentation that begins the process of cytokinesis in animal cells.

Homologous Chromosomes

Chromosome pairs that are similar in shape, size, and genetic content, one inherited from each parent.

Centrosome

An organelle that organizes microtubules and is involved in cell division.

Diploid

A cell containing two complete sets of chromosomes, one from each parent.

Haploid

A cell containing a single set of unpaired chromosomes.

Binary Fission

A method of asexual reproduction in which a prokaryotic cell divides into two equal parts.

Chromatin

A complex of DNA and proteins found in eukaryotic cells that condenses to form chromosomes.

DNA Synthesis (S phase)

The stage of interphase during which DNA is replicated.

G1 Phase

The first subphase of interphase where the cell grows and prepares for DNA replication.

G2 Phase

The second subphase of interphase where the cell continues to grow and prepares for mitosis.

Spindle Fiber

Microtubule structures that help separate chromosomes during mitosis.

Kinetochore

A protein structure on the chromosome where the spindle fibers attach.

Prokaryotes

Single-celled organisms that lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Eukaryotes

Organisms whose cells contain a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Growth Factors

Substances that stimulate the growth and division of cells.

Density-dependent inhibition

A phenomenon where crowded cells stop dividing.

Anchorage Dependence

The requirement for some animal cells to be attached to a substrate in order to divide.

Cell Cycle

The life cycle of a cell, including phases of growth, DNA replication, and division.

Checkpoints

Regulatory points in the cell cycle where the cell assesses conditions for division.

Cyclins

Proteins that regulate the timing of the cell cycle in eukaryotic cells.

Cyclin-dependent Kinases (Cdks)

Enzymes that, when activated by cyclins, regulate the cell cycle events.

Centrioles

Structures within centrosomes that help organize the mitotic spindle.

Cleavage Furrow

A structure that forms during cytokinesis in animal cells, leading to cell separation.

Plant Cell Division

Occurs via formation of a cell plate during cytokinesis.

Asexual Reproduction

A mode of reproduction that results in offspring genetically identical to the parent.

Sexual Reproduction

A mode of reproduction that produces offspring with genetic variation.

Karyotype

The complete set of chromosomes in a cell.

Genome

The complete set of genetic material in an organism.

46 Chromosomes

The total number of chromosomes in a human somatic cell (2n = diploid).

22 Pairs of Homologous Chromosomes

The number of homologous chromosome pairs found in human somatic cells.

Telophase

Stage of mitosis where the chromosomes arrive at opposite poles and begin to de-condense.

Prometaphase

Stage of mitosis where the nuclear envelope breaks down and spindle fibers attach.

Chromatid

One of the two identical halves of a duplicated chromosome.

Cell Division Control System

The regulatory mechanisms that govern cell division.

Chromosomal DNA

The DNA contained in the chromosomes of an organism.

Centrosome

An organelle that serves as the main microtubule organizing center during cell division.

M Phase

The phase of the cell cycle in which mitosis and cytokinesis occur.

Cell Growth

The process by which a cell increases in size and mass.