Cell Division Mechanisms in Eukaryotes and Prokaryotes

Binary Fission

Asexual reproduction in prokaryotes via division.

FtsZ Protein

Protein forming a ring for cell division in prokaryotes.

Septum

Structure that divides a cell during binary fission.

Kinetochore Microtubule

Attaches chromosomes to spindle poles during mitosis.

Centrioles

Organelles that help organize spindle fibers in cell division.

Eukaryotic Chromosomes

Linear DNA structures organized with proteins.

Nucleosome

DNA wrapped around histone proteins.

Karyotype

Arrangement of chromosomes in an organism.

Sister Chromatids

Identical copies of a chromosome connected at centromere.

Cytokinesis

Division of cytoplasm following mitosis.

G1 Phase

First growth phase in the eukaryotic cell cycle.

S Phase

Phase where DNA is replicated.

G2 Phase

Second growth phase; organelles replicate.

Mitosis

Nuclear division process with five phases.

Prophase

Chromosomes condense and spindle apparatus assembles.

Metaphase

Chromosomes align on the metaphase plate.

Anaphase

Sister chromatids are pulled to opposite poles.

Telophase

Nuclear envelopes reform around separated chromosomes.

Cell Cycle Checkpoints

Regulatory points that control cell cycle progression.

Cyclin-Dependent Kinases (Cdks)

Enzymes that regulate the cell cycle with cyclins.

Growth Factors

External signals that stimulate cell division.

Proto-Oncogenes

Normal genes that promote cell growth; can mutate.

Tumor-Suppressor Genes

Genes that prevent uncontrolled cell division.

p53

Key tumor-suppressor gene monitoring DNA integrity.

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death to eliminate damaged cells.

Cancer

Uncontrolled cell division due to genetic mutations.

Eukaryotic Cell Cycle

Series of phases leading to cell division.

Human Chromosome Count

Humans have 46 chromosomes (23 pairs).

Cleavage Furrow

Indentation in animal cells during cytokinesis.

Cell Plate

Structure that forms during plant cell cytokinesis.