Biology - Cell Differentiation, Specialization, and Division

cell division

process by which a cell divides into two new daughter cells

chromosome

threadlike structure of DNA and protein that contains genetic information

cell cycle

series of events in which a cell grows, prepares for division, and divides to form two daughter cells

interphase

longest period of the cell cycle between cell divisions; consists of the G1, S, and G2 phases

mitosis

phase of the cell cycle in which division of the nucleus occurs

cytokinesis

phase of the cell cycle in which division of the cytoplasm occurs to form two separate daughter cells

prophase

DNA condenses into chromosomes, each consisting of a sister chromatid; nucleus disappears; spindle fibers form

centromere

region of a chromosome where the two sister chromatids attach

chromatid

one of two identical "sister" parts of a duplicated chromosomes

centriole

structure in an animal cell that helps to organize cell division

metaphase

chromosomes line up along the middle of the cell; spindle fibers connect the centromere of each chromosome to the two poles (centrioles) of the cell

anaphase

chromosomes are pulled apart at the centromeres, separating the sister chromatids; chromosomes are pulled toward opposite poles of the cell by the spindle fibers

telophase

chromosomes unwind into thin strands of DNA; spindle fibers disappear; nuclear membrane reappears and TWO nuclei are formed

cancer

disorder in which some of the body's cells lose the ability to control the cell cycle

spindle fibers

microtubule structures that help separate the chromatids

G1 phase

phase of interphase in which cells grow and create new proteins and organelles

S phase

phase of interphase in which new DNA is synthesized when the chromosomes are replicated

G2 phase

phase of interphase in which cell organelles and molecules required for cell division are produced

M phase

cell division phase consisting of mitosis and cytokinesis

G0 phase

phase in which the cell is neither dividing nor preparing to divide

cell differentiation

process of cells becoming different types of cells

cell specialization

process of cells differentiating to perform different functions

stem cells

cells with the ability to differentiate to give rise to one or more types of specialized cells