The Cell Cycle and Mitosis

A set of 30 vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts related to the cell cycle and mitosis.

Cell Theory

The theory that all living things are made of one or more cells, cells are the basic unit of life, and all cells come from pre-existing cells.

Binary Fission

A method of asexual reproduction in prokaryotes like bacteria where the chromosome replicates and divides without a nucleus.

Mitosis

The process of cell division specifically referring to the division of the nucleus into two identical nuclei.

Cytokinesis

The process where the cytoplasm divides, separating the two daughter cells after mitosis.

Interphase

The preparatory phase of the cell cycle consisting of G1, S, and G2 phases where the cell grows and duplicates its DNA.

Chromatin

The relaxed form of genetic material, long and stringy, found during interphase.

Chromosome

The tightly coiled and condensed form of genetic material, visible during mitosis.

Diploid

Cells that contain two sets of chromosomes, one from each parent (2n), such as all somatic cells.

Haploid

Cells that contain one set of chromosomes (n), such as gametes (sperm and egg).

S phase

The phase of interphase where DNA replication occurs.

G1 phase

The first phase of interphase where the cell grows and synthesizes proteins.

G2 phase

The second growth phase of interphase preparing for mitosis.

Prophase

The first stage of mitosis where chromosomes condense, the nuclear membrane breaks down, and spindle fibers begin to form.

Metaphase

The stage in mitosis where chromosomes align at the cell's equator.

Anaphase

The stage in mitosis where sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles.

Telophase

The stage in mitosis where chromosomes de-condense, and the nuclear membrane reforms.

Gametes

Reproductive cells that are haploid and unite during fertilization to form a diploid zygote.

Centromere

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

Chromatid

Each of the two strands that make up a replicated chromosome.

Centriole

A small cylindrical cell structure that helps in cell division by forming spindle fibers.

Apoptosis

The process of programmed cell death that occurs in multicellular organisms.

Karyotype

A display of the chromosome pairs in an organism, typically used to identify chromosomal abnormalities.

Checkpoint

Regulatory points in the cell cycle (G1, G2, M) where the cell assesses whether to continue with division.

Cancer

A disease characterized by uncontrolled cell division leading to the formation of tumors.

Cyclin

A regulatory protein that controls the progression of the cell cycle.

Cleavage furrow

The indentation that begins the process of cytokinesis in animal cells.

Cell Plate

A structure that forms in plant cells during cytokinesis to separate the daughter cells.

Somatic Cells

All body cells except sex cells, which are diploid.

Chromosome Duplication

The process that occurs during the S phase when each chromosome is replicated to produce sister chromatids.

Genetic Variation

The diversity in gene frequencies, which can occur through various mechanisms including mutations and sexual reproduction.

Nuclear Envelope

The membrane that surrounds the nucleus, dissolving during mitosis.

Microtubules

Cytoskeletal filaments that form the spindle fibers necessary for chromosome separation during mitosis.

Genetic Material

DNA that carries genetic information, found in the form of chromosomes in eukaryotic cells.

Spindle Fibers

Structures that separate the chromosomes during mitosis by pulling them to opposite poles of the cell.

Equatorial Plate

The plane where chromosomes align during metaphase.