Cell Cycle, Mitosis, and Meiosis Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering the key terms, stages, and definitions of the cell cycle, mitosis, and meiosis.

Chromatid

One of two identical "sister" parts of a duplicated chromosome

Chromosome

A threadlike, gene-carrying structure found in the nucleus. Each chromosome consists of one very long DNA molecule and associated proteins.

Crossing Over

Process in which homologous chromosomes exchange portions of their chromatids during meiosis.

Diploid

An organism or cell having two sets of chromosomes or twice the haploid number

Gamete

A haploid cell such as an egg or sperm. Gametes unite during sexual reproduction to produce a diploid zygote.

Haploid

An organism or cell having only one complete set of chromosomes.

Meiosis

Cell division that produces reproductive cells in sexually reproducing organisms

Sexual Reproduction

A reproductive process that involves two parents that combine their genetic material to produce a new organism, which differs from both parents

Tetrad

Structure containing 4 chromatids that forms during meiosis

Zygote

Diploid cell formed when a sperm fertilizes an egg.

Anaphase

Phase of mitosis in which the chromosomes separate and move to opposite ends of the cell

Asexual Reproduction

A reproductive process that involves only one parent and produces offspring that are identical to the parent.

Cell Cycle

The regular sequence of growth and division that cells undergo

Cytokinesis

Division of the cytoplasm during cell division

Interphase

Cell grows, performs its normal functions, and prepares for division; consists of G1, S, and G2 phases

Metaphase

Centromeres of duplicated chromosomes are aligned at plate. Fully formed spindle attach to the sister chromatids from opposite poles

Mitosis

A process of nuclear division in eukaryotic cells conventionally divided into five stages: prophase, prometaphase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. Mitosis conserves chromosome number by equally allocating replicated chromosomes to each of the daughter nuclei.

Prophase

Chromosomes become visable, nuclear envelop dissolves, spindle forms

Telophase

Final phase of mitosis during which chromosomes uncoil, a nuclear envelope returns around the chromatin, and a nucleolus becomes visible in each daughter cell