Cell Growth & Division

Vocabulary study set covering cell growth restrictions, prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell cycles, and the specific stages of mitosis and cytokinesis.

Surface Area (of a cell)

The cell membrane.

Volume (of a cell)

The activities and materials inside the cell.

Ideal SA:V Ratio

A large ratio (e.g., $6$) is better for cell growth and traffic than a small ratio (e.g., $1.5$).

Prokaryotic Chromosome

DNA packaged into a single, circular chromosome.

Eukaryotic Chromosome

DNA packaged into multiple chromosomes; humans have $46$.

Nucleosome

A structure formed when a DNA double helix combines with histone proteins.

Binary Fission

A form of asexual reproduction in prokaryotes consisting of DNA duplication, cell membrane pinching, and cell division.

Interphase

The stage of the cell cycle where the cell spends most of its life, divided into G1, S, and G2 phases.

G1 Phase

The growth phase of interphase.

S Phase

The phase of interphase where DNA is synthesized and chromosomes are replicated.

G2 Phase

The phase of interphase where molecules and organelles replicate and the cell prepares to divide.

M Phase

The stage of cell division consisting of mitosis and cytokinesis.

Mitosis

The division of the nucleus, consisting of Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, and Telophase (PMAT).

Cytokinesis

The division of the cytoplasm, occurring around the same time as telophase.

Centromere

The region of a chromosome where sister chromatids are attached and where spindle fibers connect.

Sister Chromatids

The two duplicated halves of a single chromosome joined at the centromere.

Prophase

The first and longest phase of mitosis where the nuclear membrane breaks down, chromosomes condense, and the spindle begins to form from centrioles.

Metaphase

The second phase of mitosis where chromosomes line up at the center of the cell and spindle fibers connect them to centrioles.

Anaphase

The third phase of mitosis where sister chromatids separate into individual chromosomes and move toward opposite poles along the spindle.

Telophase

The final phase of mitosis where the nuclear envelope reforms, the spindle breaks apart, and the cell membrane begins to pinch.

Cleavage Furrow

The structure formed in animal cells during cytokinesis as the membrane pinches in the center.

Cell Plate

The structure formed in plant cells during cytokinesis to divide the daughter cells.

Human Chromatid Count (After Interphase)

While the chromosome count remains $46$, the chromatid count increases to $92$ after DNA replication.