Cell cycle and Mitosis

Cell Cycle

the regular pattern of growth, DNA duplication, and cell division in eukaryotic cells.

Interphase

the longest phase of the cell cycle, where the cell grows and DNA is replicated.

G1 Phase

the first growth phase of interphase, where the cell grows and carries out normal functions.

S Phase

the synthesis phase of interphase, where DNA is replicated.

G2 Phase

the second growth phase of interphase, where the cell prepares for division.

Mitosis

the division of the nucleus resulting in two identical daughter nuclei.

Cytokinesis

the division of the cytoplasm to form two separate daughter cells.

Prophase

the first stage of mitosis where chromosomes condense and the nuclear envelope breaks down.

Metaphase

the stage of mitosis where chromosomes line up at the equator of the cell.

Anaphase

the stage of mitosis where sister chromatids separate and move to opposite poles.

Telophase

the final stage of mitosis where nuclear membranes reform around the separated chromosomes.

Chromosome

a thread-like structure of nucleic acids and protein found in the nucleus, carrying genetic information.

Sister Chromatids

two identical copies of a single replicated chromosome.

Centromere

the region of a chromosome where the two sister chromatids are attached.

Spindle Fibers

protein structures that separate chromosomes during cell division.

Kinetochore

a protein structure on the centromere where spindle fibers attach.

Daughter Cells

the cells that result from the division of a single parent cell.

Haploid

a cell that contains one set of chromosomes.

Diploid

a cell that contains two sets of chromosomes.

Meiosis

a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, producing four haploid cells.

Crossing Over

the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during meiosis.

Spermatogenesis

the process of sperm cell development.

Oogenesis

the process of egg cell development.

Asexual Reproduction

reproduction involving a single parent, producing genetically identical offspring.

Binary Fission

a form of asexual reproduction where a cell divides into two identical cells.

Budding

a form of asexual reproduction where a new organism grows from an outgrowth of the parent.

Fragmentation

a form of asexual reproduction where a new organism grows from a fragment of the parent.

Parthenogenesis

a form of asexual reproduction where an egg develops without fertilization.

Oncogene

a gene that can cause a cell to become cancerous.

Benign Tumor

a mass of cells that remains clustered and does not spread.

Malignant Tumor

a mass of cancer cells that can invade surrounding tissues and spread.