Cell Divison

Cell cycle

process of cellular reproduction, occurring in three main stages- interphase, mitosis, and cytokinesis

Interphase

first stage of the cell cycle, during which a cell grows, matures, and replicates its DNA

Mitosis

second main stage of the cell cycle during which the cell's replicated DNA divides and two genetically identical diploid daughter cells are produced

Cytokinesis

third main stage of the cell cycle, during which the cell's cytoplasm divides

Chromosome

DNA-containing structure that carries genetic material from one generation to another

Chromatin

relaxed form of DNA in the nucleus of a cell

Prophase

first stage of mitosis, during which the cell's chromatin condenses into chromosomes

Sister chromatid

structure that contains identical DNA copies and is formed during DNA replication

Centromere

cell structure that joins two sister chromatids

Spindle apparatus

structure made of spindle fibers, centrioles, and aster fibers that is involved in moving and organizing chromosomes before the cell divides

Metaphase

second stage of mitosis in which motor proteins pull sister chromatids to the cell's equator

Anaphase

third stage of mitosis in which sister chromatids are pulled apart and microtubules, along with motor proteins, move the chromosomes to opposite poles of the cell

Telophase

last stage of mitosis in which nucleoli reappear; two new nuclear membranes begin to form but cell has not yet completely divided

Cyclin

one of the specific proteins that regulates the cell cycle

Cyclin dependent kinase

enzyme to which cyclin binds during interphase and mitosis, triggering and controlling activities during the cell cycle

Cancer

uncontrolled growth and division of cells that can be caused by changes in control of the cell cycle and also may be caused by environmental factors

Carcinogen

cancer-causing substance

Apoptosis

programmed cell death

Stem cell

unspecialized cell that can develop into a specialized cell under the right conditions