Cell Cycle and Mitosis Vocabulary

A comprehensive vocabulary review of the cell cycle, mitosis stages, meiosis, cytokinesis, and chromosome structures.

Cell cycle

The cycle (life cycle) of growth that cells follow, includes the G1, S, G2 and M Phase.

Interphase

The period of growth during the cell cycle - made up of G1, S and G2 (everything but cell division) - G1=Growth, S=Synthesis or DNA replication, G2= more growth.

Mitosis

The part of eukaryotic cell division where the nucleus divides. This includes the following steps: 1. Prophase 2. Metaphase 3. Anaphase 4. Telophase. Used when a cell needs to be replicated into exact copies of itself.

Meiosis

Cell division that results in the creation of the gametes (sperm and egg)where the number of chromosomes is cut in half (haploid cell) This creates Genetically DIFFERENT/Unique cells.

Prophase

The first and longest phase of mitosis, when the chromosomes become visible(condense), the centrioles separate, spindle fibers appear and the nuclear membrane breaks down.

Metaphase

The second phase of mitosis, where chromosomes line up at middle(equator) of the cell and spindle fibers attach to the centromere.

Anaphase

The third phase of mitosis, where sister chromatids are pulled apart by the spindle fibers.

Telophase

The last phase of mitosis, where the nuclear membrane reforms, the chromosomes un-condense and spindle fibers disappear.

Cytokinesis

The pinching off of the cell membrane to form two new cells.

Chromosome

A segment of DNA that contains many genes.

Sister Chromatids

Two identical parts of duplicated chromosomes.