Mitosis and Cell Division Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards defining key terms and stages of mitosis, karyokinesis, and cytokinesis based on lecture transcript notes.

Mitosis

The process of cell division in which a mature somatic cell divides into two identical daughter cells having equal number of chromosomes as in parent cell; also called equational cell division.

Interphase

The stage between two mitotic divisions, which consists of three sub-stages: G₂, S, and Gz.

Karyokinesis

The division of the nucleus, derived from the Greek words 'karyon' (nucleus) and 'kinesis' (movement).

Prophase

The phase of karyokinesis where chromosomes become short, thick, and visible, and the nuclear membrane and nucleolus start to disappear.

Metaphase

The phase of karyokinesis in which the nuclear membrane and nucleolus completely disappear, and all chromosomes come to lie at the equator of the cell in a single line.

Anaphase

The phase of karyokinesis where the centromeres of chromosomes split longitudinally so two sister chromatids separate, each gaining its own centromere to become daughter chromosomes.

Telophase

The phase of karyokinesis in which all daughter chromosomes reach their respective poles and spindle fibers disintegrate.

Cytokinesis

The process of division of the cytoplasm.