cell cycle and cellular reproduction

cell cycle

series of events that cells go through as they grow and divide

interphase

the resting phase between successive mitotic divisions of a cell, or between the first and second divisions of meiosis.

prophase

Chromosomes become visable, nuclear envelop dissolves, spindle forms

prometaphase

spindle fibers attach to the chromosomes at their centromeres

metaphase

chromosomes line up single file along the metaphase plate

anaphase

sister chromatids separate, pulled by the spindle fibers to become individual chromosomes, moving to opposite ends of the cell.

telophase

chromosomes arrive at poles, decondense back into chromatin, and new nuclear envelopes form around the two sets of chromosomes.

cytokinesis

division of the cytoplasm

chromosome

Any of the usually linear bodies in the cell nucleus that contain the genetic material.

sister chromatids

two identical DNA copies of a single replicated chromosome, joined at the centromere

cancer

a disease where the body's cells grow and divide uncontrollably, forming tumors that disrupt normal functions.

mitosis

one division forming 2 identical cells (clones)

Meiosis

two divisions forming 4 genetically different cells