The Cell Cycle

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to the cell cycle, including the stages of mitosis and meiosis, their importance, and key definitions.

Cell Division

The process by which a parent cell divides into two or more daughter cells; crucial for reproduction, growth, renewal, and repair.

Mitosis

A type of cell division resulting in two identical daughter cells, essential for growth and repair in multicellular organisms.

Meiosis

A specialized form of cell division that produces gametes with half the chromosome number of the parent cell, important for sexual reproduction.

Interphase

The phase of the cell cycle where the cell prepares for division, consisting of G1, S, and G2 phases.

G1 Phase

The first stage of interphase; cells grow and synthesize proteins as they prepare for DNA replication.

S Phase

The phase of interphase where DNA replication occurs, resulting in chromosomes with two sister chromatids.

G2 Phase

The final stage of interphase; cells continue to grow and prepare for mitosis.

Prophase

The first stage of mitosis where chromosomes become visible, the nuclear envelope breaks down, and spindle fibers begin to form.

Metaphase

The stage of mitosis where chromosomes align at the cell's equator, connected to spindle fibers at their centromeres.

Anaphase

The stage of mitosis where sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles of the cell.

Telophase

The final stage of mitosis where chromosomes de-condense, the nuclear envelope reforms, and the cell begins cytoplasmic division.

Cytokinesis

The process that follows mitosis, resulting in the division of the cytoplasm and forming two separate daughter cells.

Chromosome Number

The total count of chromosomes in a cell; in humans, typically 46 in somatic cells.

Crossing Over

The exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during meiosis, leading to genetic variation.

Independent Assortment

The random distribution of homologous chromosomes during meiosis, contributing to genetic diversity.

Reduction Division

A type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, characteristic of meiosis.