Cell Division and Cell Cycle Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering the definitions, phases, and processes of cell division, mitosis, meiosis, and the cell cycle based on lecture notes.

Cell Division

The process by which a parent cell divides into two or more daughter cells, usually occurring as part of a larger cell cycle.

Parent Cell

The initial cell that undergoes division during cell division.

Daughter Cells

The new cells produced when a parent cell divides.

Reasons for Cell Division

The three basic reasons cells divide: growth & development of the body, repair of dead and damaged tissues, and reproduction.

Mitosis

The process of division of somatic cells in eukaryotic organisms, where a single cell divides into two identical daughter cells having the same set of chromosomes as the parent cell.

Meiosis

A type of cell division in which sperm or egg cells are produced with a haploid set of chromosomes instead of identical daughter cells.

Interphase

A non-dividing state and active phase of the cell cycle where the cell grows in size, replicates organelles and DNA, and synthesizes proteins.

M Phase (Mitosis Phase)

The phase of the cell cycle where actual cell division occurs, comprising two key steps: karyokinesis and cytokinesis.

Quiescent Stage ($G_0$ Phase)

The resting stage of the cell cycle entered by cells that exit the $G_1$ phase and neither divide nor prepare for division.

$G_1$ Phase (Gap 1)

The phase of interphase during which the cell is metabolically active and grows continuously.

S Phase (Synthesis)

The stage of interphase during which DNA replication or synthesis occurs.

$G_2$ Phase (Gap 2)

The phase of interphase during which protein synthesis happens.

Sub-phases of Mitosis

The four sequential sub-phases of mitosis: 1st Prophase, 2nd Metaphase, 3rd Anaphase, and 4th Telophase, followed by cytokinesis.