Cell Division and Mitosis

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to cell division and the cell cycle.

Cell Division

The process by which a parent cell divides into two or more daughter cells; essential for reproduction in organisms.

Binary fission

A method of asexual reproduction in unicellular organisms where one cell divides into two identical cells.

Mitosis

The process of cell division in multicellular organisms, resulting in two identical daughter cells.

Genome

The complete set of DNA, including all of its genes, contained within a cell.

Diploid

A cell that contains two complete sets of chromosomes, one from each parent (2n).

Haploid

A cell that contains a single set of unpaired chromosomes (1n), characteristic of gametes.

Centromere

The region of a chromosome where the two sister chromatids are joined together.

Cytokinesis

The division of the cytoplasm of a parental cell into two daughter cells at the end of mitosis.

Interphase

The phase of the cell cycle in which the cell is not dividing but is preparing for division, consisting of G1, S, and G2 phases.

Prophase

The first stage of mitosis where chromosomes condense, and the mitotic spindle begins to form.

Metaphase

The stage of mitosis where chromosomes align at the metaphase plate, and the spindle apparatus is fully formed.

Anaphase

The stage of mitosis where sister chromatids are pulled apart and move toward opposite poles of the cell.

Telophase

The final stage of mitosis in which nuclear membranes form around each set of separated chromosomes.

Cell cycle checkpoints

Regulatory points in the cell cycle that assess the condition of the cell and prevent progression if the DNA is damaged.

Stem cells

Undifferentiated cells that can give rise to various types of specialized cells, important for regeneration.

Gametes

Reproductive cells (sperm and egg) that are produced through meiosis and are haploid.