Mitosis and Meiosis Lecture Notes

Vocabulary flashcards covering the definitions and distinct sequential steps of mitosis and meiosis.

Mitosis

Cell division that makes two genetically identical cells with the same number of chromosomes as the original cell.

Prophase (Mitosis)

The mitotic stage in which chromosomes condense, the spindle forms, and the nucleus starts to break down.

Prometaphase

The stage of mitosis where the nucleus breaks apart and spindle fibers attach to the chromosomes.

Metaphase (Mitosis)

The stage of mitosis where chromosomes line up in the middle of the cell.

Anaphase (Mitosis)

The stage of mitosis where sister chromatids separate and move to opposite ends of the cell.

Telophase (Mitosis)

The stage of mitosis where two new nuclei form around the chromosomes.

Cytokinesis (Mitosis)

The process where the cell splits into two cells.

Meiosis

Cell division that makes four genetically different cells, each with half the original number of chromosomes.

Prophase I

The stage of meiosis where matching chromosomes pair up and exchange DNA, the spindle forms, and the nucleus breaks down.

Metaphase I

The stage of meiosis where matching chromosome pairs line up in the middle.

Anaphase I

The stage of meiosis where matching chromosomes separate and move to opposite ends while sister chromatids stay together.

Telophase I and cytokinesis

The stage of meiosis I where the cell divides into two cells.

Prophase II

The stage of meiosis II where a spindle forms in each cell, and the nucleus breaks down if it has formed.

Metaphase II

The stage of meiosis II where chromosomes line up in the middle of each cell.

Anaphase II

The stage of meiosis II where sister chromatids separate and move to opposite ends.

Telophase II and cytokinesis

The stage of meiosis II where both cells divide, making four cells.