Introduction to Embryology, Cell Cycle, and Mitotic Cell Division

Vocabulary flashcards covering the key concepts, terms, and stages of mitotic cell division, chromosome anatomy, DNA replication, apoptosis, and cancer regulation.

Mitosis

The process of somatic cell division responsible for body growth and repair, producing 2 genetically identical daughter cells.

Meiosis

A cell division process crucial for sexual reproduction that produces 4 genetically different cells to assure genetic diversity.

DNA Replication

The process of copying a double-stranded DNA molecule using preserved template strands to form two identical double-stranded molecules.

Chromatin

The complex of DNA and protein that makes up chromosomes, serving to package DNA into a smaller volume, strengthen it for cell division, and control gene expression.

Chromatid

One of two identical chromosomal strands into which a chromosome splits longitudinally preparatory to cell division.

Chromosome

An organized structure of DNA and proteins found in cells that contains genetic materials.

Centromere

A specialized, constricted central region on the chromosome where two chromatids are held together to form an X-shape and attach to spindle microtubules.

Duplicated and Condensed Chromosome Diagram

Labeled components: (1) Chromatid, (2) Centromere, (3) Short arm, and (4) Long arm.

Somatic Cell

Any diploid biological cell forming the body of an organism, making up internal organs, skin, bones, blood, and connective tissue.

Interphase

The period between two successive cell divisions during which the nucleus does not divide, the cell grows in the G1 Phase, and chromatin replicates and condenses.

Prophase

The first active phase of mitosis where chromatids join at the centromere, condense into discrete chromosomes, the nuclear envelope breaks down, and spindle fibers form at opposite poles.

Metaphase

The phase of mitosis in which the mitotic spindle attaches to the centromere of each chromosome and aligns them at the metaphase plate.

Metaphase Plate

An imaginary plane equally distant from the two spindle poles where chromosomes align during metaphase.

Anaphase

The stage of mitosis where spindle fibers shorten, pulling the sister chromatids (daughter chromosomes) apart toward opposite poles of the cell.

Telophase

The stage of mitosis where daughter chromosomes arrive at the cell poles and the pulling spindle fibers disappear.

Cytokinesis

The final cell separation process where the cytoplasm and plasma membrane divide in half to form two distinct daughter cells.

Apoptosis

The process of programmed cell death involving biochemical events that lead to characteristic cell morphology changes and cell removal, essential for tissue shaping such as digit separation.

Cancer

Uncontrolled cell division and growth resulting from gene damage that impairs normal regulation, leading to malignant tumor formation and tissue invasion.