Cell Division and Mitosis Vocabulary

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering concepts, phases, and key terms of cell division and mitosis from the lecture transcript.

Mitosis

The division of the nucleus in eukaryotic cells that allows body cells to make new, genetically identical body cells for growth and repair.

Cytokinesis

The process that splits the cytoplasm of a cell, starting while mitosis is happening and finishing after mitosis to ultimately yield two cells.

Chromosomes

Condensed units made of DNA and protein hosted inside the nucleus, with human body cells typically containing 46.

Nuclei

The plural form of nucleus.

Interphase

A very long stage prior to mitosis where DNA replication occurs, causing each chromosome to consist of two identical sister chromatids.

Sister Chromatids

Identical copies of a replicated chromosome that are joined together at the centromere region.

Centromere

The region where two sister chromatids remain attached together as a single chromosome unit before separation.

PMAT

An acronym representing the four major stages of mitosis in sequential order: Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, and Telophase.

Prophase

The beginning step of mitosis during which chromosomes condense (thicken and become visible) and the nucleus begins to disassemble.

Metaphase

The stage of mitosis where the nucleus has broken down and chromosomes line up along the middle of the cell.

Anaphase

The stage of mitosis where spindle fibers help move sister chromatids away from each other toward opposite sides of the cell.

Telophase

The final stage of mitosis where separated chromosomes reach opposite ends of the cell and new nuclei form around them on each side.

Gametes

Human sex cells that are directly produced through meiosis rather than mitosis.

Meiosis

The specific cell division process that directly produces human gametes rather than body cells.

Mature Red Blood Cells

An exception among human body cells that do not undergo mitosis.

Uncontrolled Cell Division

A feature often associated with cancer cells, occurring when genetic changes disrupt the normal control of cell division.