Cell Cycle and Mitosis

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and concepts related to the cell cycle and mitosis.

Interphase

The phase of the cell cycle where the cell grows and DNA is replicated.

M Phase

The phase of the cell cycle where mitosis occurs, distributing chromosomes into daughter nuclei, followed by cytokinesis.

Chromatin

A complex of DNA and protein that makes up chromosomes in eukaryotic cells.

Sister Chromatids

Identical copies of a duplicated chromosome, joined at the centromere.

Cohesin

Protein complexes that hold sister chromatids together along their lengths.

Cytokinesis

The division of the cytoplasm that produces two daughter cells.

G1 Phase

The first phase of interphase where the cell grows and performs normal functions.

S Phase

The phase of the cell cycle where DNA replication occurs.

G2 Phase

The second growth phase of interphase where the cell prepares for mitosis.

Anaphase

The stage of mitosis where sister chromatids separate and move toward opposite poles.

Telophase

The final stage of mitosis where nuclear envelopes reform around the separated chromosomes.

Diploid (2n)

Cells that contain two complete sets of chromosomes.

Haploid (n)

Cells that contain one complete set of chromosomes.

Cleavage Furrow

The structure that forms during cytokinesis in animal cells that paves the way for cell division.

Metaphase Plate

The imaginary plane where chromosomes align during metaphase.

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death that can be triggered by DNA damage.

Kinetochore

Protein structure on the centromere where spindle fibers attach during cell division.

Cyclins

Proteins that regulate the cell cycle by activating cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs).

CDK (Cyclin-Dependent Kinase)

An enzyme that, when activated by a cyclin, helps progress the cell cycle.

Genome

The complete set of genetic material in an organism.

Mitosis

The process of nuclear division that produces two genetically identical daughter cells.

Centromere

The region of a chromosome where sister chromatids are most tightly connected.

Prophase

The stage of mitosis where chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes.

Fertilization

The union of gametes (egg and sperm) to form a zygote.

Genome

All of the genetic material present in a cell.