Cell cycle

Chromatin

The very long DNA molecules wrapped around proteins. Loose and uncoiled so the cell can use the information on the DNA molecule to make proteins.

Chromosomes

the DNA and proteins wrapped and tightly coiled into individual structures. These tightly packed structures are more easily moved during cell division.

sister chromatids

Identical copies of a chromosome; full sets of these are created during the S subphase of interphase. Joined together by a centromere.

Interphase

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

Mitosis

part of eukaryotic cell division during which the cell nucleus divides. Shortest phase of the cell cycle.

prophase

In this phase, the chromatin condenses to form visible chromosomes, each consisting of two identical sister chromatids joined at a centromere. The nuclear membrane breaks down, and the spindle apparatus, consisting of microtubules, forms and attaches to the chromosomes.

metaphase

second phase of mitosis, during which the chromosomes line up across the center of the cell, also known as the metaphase plate, or equator.

anaphase

Phase of mitosis in which the sister chromatids all pulled apart by spindle fibers to opposite ends of the cell

telophase

the final stage of mitosis, nuclei reform, The spindle apparatus disintegrates, and the chromosomes begin to uncoil, into chromatin. The cell undergoes cytokinesis, the physical separation of the two daughter cells

Cytokinesis

division of the cytoplasm to form two separate daughter cells

eukaryotic cell division

mitosis and cytokinesis, results in two genetically identical daughter cells each with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell.

G zero phase

it's the phase where cells are alive and metabolically active but they don't divide

G1 phase

stage of interphase in which cell grows and performs its normal functions

S phase

DNA replication occurs, unreplicated chromosomes turn into replicated chromosomes.

G2 phase

prepares for mitosis and cell division.

spindle fibers

cell structures made of individual microtubule fibers that are involved in moving chromosomes during cell division. Spindle fibers are attached to centrioles.

somatic cell

body cell

asexual reproduction

Process by which a single parent reproduces by itself, resulting cells are genetically identical. Also called agamogenesis.

sexual reproduction

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

fission (asexual reproduction)

produces two cells with genetic material exactly like the parent's cell

Fragmentation (asexual reproduction)

a piece of an organism breaks off and starts growing into another individual organism.

Budding

A form of asexual reproduction of yeast in which a new cell grows out of the body of a parent.

vegatative reproduction

a form of asexual reproduction in which offspring grow from a part of a parent plant

Parthenogenesis

Asexual reproduction in which females produce offspring from unfertilized eggs.

cleavage furrow

The area of the cell membrane that pinches in and eventually separates the dividing cell

cell plate

In a plant cell, midline of dividing cells. Becomes the cell wall eventually.