5A VOCAB

cytokinesis

cytokinesis

process by which the cell cytoplasm divides

metaphase

second phase of mitosis when spindle fibers align the chromosomes along the cell equator

prophase

first phase of mitosis when chromatin condenses, the nuclear envelope breaks down, the nucluolus disappears, and the centrosomes and centrioles migrate to opposite sides of the cell

chromatin

loose combination of DNA and proteins that is present during interphase

mitosis

process by which a cell divides its nucleus and contents

telophase

last phase of mitosis when a complete set of indentical chromosomes is positioned at each pole of the cell, the nuclear membranes start to form, the chromosomes begin to uncoil, and the spindle fibers disassemble

histone

protein that organizes chromosomes and around which DNA wraps

anaphase

third phase of mitosis during which chromatids separate and are pulled to opposite sides of the cell

centromere

region of condensed chromosome that looks pinched; where spindle fibers attach during meiosis and mitosis

cell cycle

pattern of growth, DNA replication, and cell division that occurs in a eukaryotic cell

chromosome

long, continuous thread of DNA that consists of numerous genes and regulatory information

telomere

repeating nucleotide at the ends of DNA molecules that do not form genes and help prevent the loss of genes

chromatid

one half of a duplicated chromosome