Mitosis: Phases, Functions, and Cell Cycle

Mitosis

Cell division producing two identical daughter cells.

Interphase

Longest cell cycle phase; includes G1, S, G2.

Cytokinesis

Division of cytoplasm during telophase.

Prophase

First mitosis phase; chromatin condenses into chromosomes.

Metaphase

Chromosomes align at the cell's center.

Anaphase

Sister chromatids separate to opposite cell ends.

Telophase

Reverse prophase; chromosomes unravel, nuclear membrane reforms.

Chromatin

Unraveled DNA present in non-dividing cells.

Chromatid

Single chromosome; one half of a chromosome.

Chromosome

Double chromatid structure joined by a centromere.

Centromere

Region where sister chromatids are joined.

Somatic cell

Any body cell excluding gametes.

Diploid

Cell with two complete sets of chromosomes (2n).

Cyclins

Proteins regulating the eukaryotic cell cycle.

Centrioles

Structures aiding chromosome separation in animal cells.

Spindle fibers

Microtubules connecting chromosomes to centrioles.

Cancer

Disease caused by uncontrolled cell division.

Metastasis

Spread of cancer cells to new body locations.

Cell cycle

Repeating steps a cell undergoes during its life.

Asexual reproduction

Reproduction without a mate, producing identical offspring.

Advantages of asexual reproduction

Fast, no mate needed, many offspring produced.

Disadvantages of asexual reproduction

No genetic variation; offspring identical to parent.

G1 phase

First growth phase of interphase.

S phase

Synthesis phase; DNA is copied.

G2 phase

Second growth phase before mitosis.

Chromosome structure

Two sister chromatids joined at a centromere.

Nuclear membrane

Membrane surrounding the nucleus, disappears in prophase.

Nucleolus

Structure within nucleus, disappears during prophase.

Microtubules

Protein filaments forming spindle fibers.