Cell Cycle and Mitosis

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and definitions related to the cell cycle and mitosis.

Life Cycle of a Cell

The entire span through which a cell is alive, from its formation through cell division or death.

Mitosis

The process of cell division that results in the formation of two new cells with identical genetic material.

Interphase

The stage of the cell cycle when the cell is preparing for division, including DNA replication and cell growth.

Mitotic Index

A calculation used to measure the ratio of dividing cells to non-dividing cells in a given population.

Chromosome Condensation

The process of tightly packing chromosomes during cell division, allowing for proper segregation.

Kinetochore Microtubules

Microtubules that attach to the kinetochore of chromosomes during cell division.

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 two daughter cells.

Centrioles

Cell structures involved in organizing microtubules and are essential for proper mitotic spindle formation.

Sister Chromatids

Identical copies of a chromosome that are connected by a centromere prior to cell division.

Prophase

The first stage of mitosis where the chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes.

Telophase

The final stage of mitosis during which the separated chromosomes reach the poles and begin to decondense.

Cytokinesis

The division of the cytoplasm of a cell, resulting in two separate daughter cells.

DNA Polymerase

An enzyme that synthesizes DNA molecules from nucleotides, crucial for DNA replication.

Kinetochore

A protein structure on the chromosome where microtubules attach during cell division.

Polar Microtubules

Microtubules that extend from the spindle poles towards the equatorial plane, helping to maintain spindle structure.