mitosis & cytokinesis

Mitosis

The division of the cell nucleus, producing two genetically identical diploid nuclei.

Prophase

The first stage of mitosis where chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes, spindle fibers emerge, and the nuclear envelope breaks down

Prometaphase

The phase of mitosis where the nuclear envelope fully dissolves, kinetochores appear on centromeres, and spindle fibers attach to kinetochores.

Metaphase

The stage of mitosis where chromosomes align along the center line (metaphase plate) of the cell

Metaphase Plate

The imaginary equator or center line where chromosomes line up during metaphase.

Anaphase

The stage of mitosis where cohesin proteins break down, separating sister chromatids and pulling them to opposite poles of the cell.

Telophase

The final stage of mitosis where chromosomes de-condense at opposite poles, nuclear envelopes re-form, and the mitotic spindle breaks down.

Cytokinesis

The physical division of the cytoplasm, resulting in two distinct daughter cells.

Cleavage Furrow

A shallow groove that forms along the cell equator in animal cells, pinched inward by a ring of actin microfilaments to split the cell.

Cell Plate

A membrane-bound structure that forms along the equator of a dividing plant cell via Golgi vesicles, eventually building a new cell wall.