Mitotic Cell Cycle

Mitosis

Mitosis

The process of nuclear division by which two genetically identical daughter nuclei are produced that are also genetically identical to the parent cell nucleus.

Prophase

The first stage of mitosis where chromosomes condense and become visible, the centrosomes move towards opposite poles, and spindle fibers begin to emerge.

Metaphase

The second stage of mitosis where chromosomes line up at the equator of the spindle and spindle fibers attach to the centromeres.

Anaphase

The third stage of mitosis where sister chromatids separate at the centromere and are pulled to opposite poles by the spindle fibers.

Telophase

The fourth and final stage of mitosis where chromosomes arrive at opposite poles, nuclear envelopes begin to reform around each set of chromosomes, and spindle fibers break down.

Chromosome Structure

It is long condensed with DNA molecules which is associated with proteins. The main protein being histones which are responsible for organising and condensing the DNA into the nucleus of the cell. The other proteins are enzymes which are responsible for copying and repairing of the DNA.

Chromatin

The tightly coiled combination of DNA and proteins in chromosomes. It is made up of DNA coiled around histone proteins.

Sister Chromatids

The two chromatids that make up the double structure of a chromosome and they are identical and contain the same genes. It is the key to mitosis as one strand of the chromosomes goes into one daughter cell and the other strand into the other daughter cell. Hence making both of the cells genetically identical to each other.

Telomeres

The ends of the chromatids in chromosomes are sealed with protective structures.

Mitosis

the process of nuclear division by which two genetically identical daughter nuclei are produced. It is important for growth, cell replacement, repair of tissues, and asexual reproduction.

Cell Cycle

the regulated sequence of events that occurs between one cell division and the next. It consists of interphase, nuclear division (mitosis), and cell division (cytokinesis).

Interphase

phase of the cell cycle where the cell increases in mass and size, carries out its normal cellular functions, and prepares for mitosis. It consists of three phases:G1 phase, S phase, and G2 phase.

S Phase

relatively short phase of interphase where DNA replication occurs, resulting in each chromosome consisting of two identical sister chromatids.

G Phase

gap phase between the previous cell division and the S phase. It is during this phase that the cell continues to grow and prepare for cell division.

Mitosis

is the phase of the cell cycle where nuclear division occurs. It is divided into four stages:prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.It is the nuclear division when there is a production of 2 genetically identical daughter cells which are genetically identical to the parent

Cytokinesis

the final stage of the cell cycle where the whole cell divides, and two genetically identical daughter cells are formed. In animal cells, it involves constriction of the cytoplasm, while in plant cells, a new cell wall is formed.

Telomeres

Protective structures at the ends of chromatids in chromosomes that are made of non-coding DNA.

DNA replication

The process of copying DNA molecules during mitosis.

Enzyme

A protein that catalyzes chemical reactions in the body.

Telomerase

An enzyme that adds additional bases to the ends of telomeres.

Stem cell

A cell that can divide an unlimited number of times and has the potential to differentiate into specialized cell types.

Potency

The ability of stem cells to differentiate into different cell types.

Totipotency

Stem cells that can differentiate into any cell type found in an embryo.

Pluripotency

Stem cells that can differentiate into any cell type found in an embryo but not extra-embryonic cells.

Multipotency

Adult stem cells that have lost some of the potency associated with embryonic stem cells and can only differentiate into a limited range of cell types.

Mutation

A change in a gene that can lead to cancer.

Oncogene

A mutated gene that causes cancer.

Carcinogen

Any agent that may cause cancer.

Benign tumor

A tumor that does not spread from its original site and does not cause cancer.

Malignant tumor

A tumor that spreads through the body, invading and destroying other tissues, and causes cancer.

Metastasis

The spreading of cancer cells to other parts of the body through the blood or lymphatic system.

Oncogenes

Mutated genes that can cause cancer when exposed to certain agents.

Carcinogens

Substances or agents that can cause cancer, such as UV light, tar in tobacco, asbestos, and X-rays.

Cancerous cell

A cell that does not respond to signals from other cells and continues to divide.

Mitosis

The process of cell division.

Immune system

The body's defense system against foreign substances and diseases.

Rapid mitosis

The fast and uncontrolled division of cancerous cells.

Tumour

An abnormal mass of cells that can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

Malignant tumour

A tumour that can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body.

Blood and lymph vessels

Structures that supply nutrients and remove waste from tissues.