The Cell Cycle and Cellular Reproduction

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the lecture on the cell cycle and cellular reproduction.

Cell Cycle

An orderly set of stages from the first division of a eukaryotic cell to the time the resulting daughter cells divide.

Interphase

A stage in the cell cycle where the cell performs its usual functions and prepares for division; includes G1, S, and G2 phases.

G1 Phase

The first phase of interphase where the cell recovers from division, doubles its organelles, and grows.

S Phase

The phase of interphase where DNA replication occurs, resulting in chromosomes with sister chromatids.

G2 Phase

The phase of interphase that occurs after DNA replication and before mitosis, where the cell synthesizes proteins necessary for division.

Mitosis

The process of nuclear division that results in two identical daughter nuclei.

Cytokinesis

The division of the cytoplasm that follows mitosis, creating two daughter cells.

Sister Chromatids

Identical copies of a chromosome, joined together at the centromere, formed during DNA replication.

Centromere

The region of a chromosome where sister chromatids are joined together.

Chromatin

The complex of DNA and histone proteins in the nucleus that condenses to form chromosomes during cell division.

Nucleosome

A unit of DNA wrapped around a core of histone proteins, appearing like beads on a string.

Euchromatin

A loosely coiled form of chromatin that is active and available for transcription.

Heterochromatin

A tightly packed form of chromatin that is usually inactive and rarely used for gene expression.

Kinetochore

A specialized protein complex on the centromere that connects sister chromatids to spindle fibers during cell division.

Cleavage Furrow

The indentation that begins the process of cytokinesis in animal cells.

Cell Plate

The structure that forms during cytokinesis in plant cells, leading to the eventual separation of daughter cells.

Chromosome

A structure made of DNA and proteins that contains genetic information.

Karyotype

A visual representation of an individual's set of chromosomes.

Diploid (2n)

A cell that contains two complete sets of chromosomes, one from each parent.

Haploid (n)

A cell that has only one set of chromosomes, such as sperm and egg cells.

Centrosome

The microtubule organizing center in animal cells that contains centrioles.

Centrioles

Cylindrical structures found in centrosomes that play a role in cell division.

Spindle Fibers

Microtubules that form the mitotic spindle during cell division.

Asters

Star-shaped structures formed by microtubules during mitosis in animal cells.

Spindle Apparatus

The structure composed of spindle fibers that helps segregate chromosomes during cell division.

Telophase

The final stage of mitosis, where daughter chromosomes are at opposite poles and new nuclear envelopes form around them.

Prophase

The first stage of mitosis, where chromatin condenses into distinct chromosomes and the nuclear envelope begins to fragment.

Metaphase

The stage of mitosis where chromosomes are aligned at the equatorial plane of the cell.

Anaphase

The stage of mitosis when sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite ends of the cell.

Prometaphase

The stage of mitosis that follows prophase, where the nuclear envelope is completely fragmented and spindle fibers attach to kinetochores.

M checkpoint

A checkpoint during mitosis that ensures sister chromatids are properly attached to spindle fibers.