Cell Division

Cell Division

The process by which a parent cell divides into two or more daughter cells, essential for growth, development, and reproduction of organisms.

Interphase

The phase of the cell cycle where the cell spends about 78% of its life, growing and preparing for cell division.

G1 Phase

The first gap phase of Interphase, where cells grow and may differentiate to perform specific functions.

Synthesis Phase (S Phase)

The phase of Interphase during which the cell replicates its entire DNA genome.

G2 Phase

The second gap phase of Interphase, where the cell synthesizes proteins necessary for cell division.

Cytokinesis

The process during cell division where the cytoplasm of a parental cell divides into two daughter cells.

Mitosis

A type of cell division in eukaryotic cells that produces two identical daughter cells, consisting of five stages.

Prophase

The first stage of mitosis where duplicated chromosomes condense and the nuclear envelope begins to dissolve.

Metaphase

The stage of mitosis where chromosomes are lined up at the cell equator, connected to spindle fibers.

Anaphase

The stage of mitosis where sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles of the cell.

Telophase

The final stage of mitosis where new nuclear envelopes form around the separated sets of chromosomes.

Meiosis

A specialized form of cell division that produces four haploid daughter cells, each with half the genetic content of the parent cell.

Gametes

The reproductive cells produced by meiosis, such as sperm and egg cells.

Crossing Over

The exchange of genetic material between non-sister chromatids during prophase I of meiosis.

Checkpoints

Regulatory mechanisms in the cell cycle that ensure proper division and health of daughter cells.

Apoptosis

The process of programmed cell death that can occur if a cell fails at a checkpoint in the cell cycle.

Tumor-suppressor Genes

Genes that help prevent uncontrolled cell division; mutations in these genes can lead to cancer.

Cancer

A disease caused by uncontrolled cell division, often resulting from mutations that disrupt normal cell cycle regulation.

P53

A tumor-suppressor protein that regulates the cell cycle and prevents genomic mutations.

Platinum-drugs

Chemotherapy agents like cisplatin that bind to DNA and inhibit replication as a cancer treatment.

Taxanes

Chemotherapy drugs like paclitaxel that inhibit spindle disassembly during mitosis.

Glial Cells

Supportive cells in the nervous system that can become activated following injury.

Cell Cycle Pathways

The series of processes that regulate the cell cycle, which can be activated or inhibited based on external and internal signals.

Haploid

A term used to describe cells that have half the number of chromosomes of the parent cell, as seen in gametes.

Somatic Cells

All body cells that are not reproductive cells; they divide by mitosis.

S Phase Checkpoint

A checkpoint that ensures the DNA is intact and suitable for replication before moving from G1 to S phase.

G2 Checkpoint

A control point that allows the cell to proceed to mitosis only if the DNA has been accurately replicated.

Metaphase Checkpoint

A checkpoint that ensures all chromosomes are correctly attached to the spindle fibers prior to anaphase.

Stomach Lining Cells

Cells that divide frequently to replace damaged cells, reflecting the necessity of external regulation in cell division.

Heart Muscle Cells

Cells that are typically non-dividing and do not replace themselves following injury, impacting recovery.

Regulation of Cell Division

The internal and external processes that control whether and how often a cell divides.

Genomic DNA Replication

The process of duplicating the entire DNA genome during the synthesis phase of the cell cycle.

Stem Cells

Undifferentiated cells that have the potential to develop into many different cell types, capable of division.

Cellular Differentiation

The process by which a cell changes from a generic cell type to a specialized cell type.

Chromosomes

Structures within cells that contain DNA tightly coiled around histone proteins.

Microtubules

Cytoskeletal structures that form the spindle apparatus during mitosis, helping to separate chromosomes.