Cell Division: Mitosis

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from cell division and mitosis.

Cell Division

The process by which a parent cell divides into two or more daughter cells.

Mitosis

A type of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells having the same number of chromosomes as the parent nucleus.

Chromosomes

Structures within cells that contain DNA and carry genetic information.

Chromatin

The form of DNA when it is not condensed and is spread out in the nucleus.

Centromere

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

Sister Chromatids

Two identical copies of a single replicated chromosome that are joined together at the centromere.

Homologous Chromosomes

Pairs of chromosomes that have the same length, appearance, and copies of genes, although the alleles may differ.

Interphase

The phase of the cell cycle during which the cell is not dividing, but preparing for division by duplicating its DNA.

Cytokinesis

The process during cell division in which the cytoplasm of a parental cell is divided into two daughter cells.

G1 Phase

The first phase of interphase, during which the cell grows and prepares for DNA replication.

S Phase

The phase of interphase in which DNA is replicated.

G2 Phase

The second growth phase of interphase, which follows DNA synthesis and prepares the cell for mitosis.

Prophase

The first phase of mitosis, where chromosomes become visible and the nuclear envelope begins to break down.

Metaphase

The stage of mitosis where chromosomes align along the metaphase plate.

Anaphase

The phase of mitosis in which sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles of the cell.

Telophase

The final phase of mitosis, where the nuclear envelope re-forms around the separated chromatids.

Cleavage Furrow

The indentation that begins to form during cytokinesis in animal cells as the cell pinches in two.

G1/S Checkpoint

The checkpoint in the cell cycle where the cell decides whether to divide.

G2/M Checkpoint

A checkpoint that confirms DNA replication has been completed successfully before mitosis.

Metastasis

The spread of cancer cells from the original site to other parts of the body.

Benign Tumor

An abnormal mass of cells that remains at its original site and does not invade surrounding tissues.

Malignant Tumor

A cancerous tumor that invades surrounding tissues and can spread to other parts of the body.