Mitosis Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key mitosis concepts from the lecture notes.

Mitosis

A eukaryotic cell division process that partitions replicated DNA into two identical nuclei, usually followed by cytokinesis to form two daughter cells.

Prophase

The first mitotic phase in which chromosomes condense, the spindle apparatus forms, and the nuclear envelope breaks down.

Metaphase

The phase when chromosomes align along the cell's equator during mitosis.

Anaphase

The phase in which sister chromatids separate and move toward opposite poles.

Telophase

The phase during which the nuclear envelope reforms and chromosomes decondense.

Cytokinesis

The division of the cytoplasm that results in two separate daughter cells.

Chromosome

A DNA molecule wrapped around proteins and located in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells.

Sister chromatids

One of the two identical copies of a chromosome produced by DNA replication and held together at the centromere.

Centromere

The region where sister chromatids are held together.

Centrosome

The microtubule organizing center of the cell that organizes the spindle; in animal cells it contains two centrioles.

Centriole

One of the two short cylinders of microtubules inside the centrosome that help organize the spindle.

Spindle

A structure of microtubule proteins that coordinates chromosome movement and separation during mitosis.

Microtubule

A hollow tube of tubulin proteins that forms the core of the spindle apparatus.

Micrograph

A photograph taken through a microscope of a magnified specimen.

Eukaryote

An organism whose cells contain a nucleus and organelles enclosed by membranes.

Asexual reproduction

Reproduction that produces identical daughter cells via mitosis in some organisms.

Mitosis functions

Provides new cells for growth, replaces damaged cells, and repairs tissues.

Nuclear envelope breakdown

The disintegration of the nuclear envelope during prophase, allowing spindle attachment to chromosomes.

Nuclear envelope reformation

The reassembly of the nuclear envelope around chromosomes during telophase.