Cell Cycle Vocab Terms

Spermatogenesis

The process by which male gametes are formed.

Cytokinesis

Division of the cytoplasm.-last phase of the cell cycle.

Haploid

Describes a cell, nucleus, or organism that has only one set of chromosomes (1n).

Centrosome

Region of a chromosome holds two sister chromatids together during mitosis.

Mitosis

In eukaryotic cells, a process of cell division that forms two nuclei, each of which has the same number of chromosomes.

Prophase

The first stage of mitosis and meiosis in cell division; characterized by the condensation of the chromosomes and the dissolution of the nuclear envelope.

Oogenesis

The production, growth, and maturation of an egg, or ovum.

Metaphase

One of the stages of mitosis and meiosis, during which all of the chromosomes move to the cell’s equator.

Histone

A type of protein molecule found in the chromosomes of eukaryotic cells but not prokaryotic cells. Coils around DNA to form chromatin.

Homologous Chromosome

Chromosomes that have the same sequence of genes, that have the same structure, and that pair during meiosis. They are not identical.

Interphase

A period between two mitotic or meiotic division during which the cell grows, copies its DNA, and synthesizes proteins.

Gamete

A haploid reproductive cell that is produced from meiosis. Examples are sperm and egg cells.

G1 Phase

The first growth phase during interphase in which the cell makes organelles, nutrients, and enzymes.

Crossing Over

The exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during meiosis; can result in genetic recombination.

Diploid

A cell that contains two haploid sets of chromosomes. Contains both sets of chromosomes.

Cell Plate

The precursor of a new plant cell wall that forms during cell division and divides a cell into two.

Chromatid

One of the two identical strands of a chromosome that become visible during meiosis or mitosis.

Binary Fission

The process when a prokaryotic cell copies its DNA and divides into two cells.

Anaphase

A phase of mitosis and meiosis in which the sister chromatids separate.

Autosome

Any chromosome that is not a sex chromosome.

Asexual Reproduction

Reproduction that does not involve the union of gametes and in which a single parent produces offspring that are genetically identical to the parent.

G2 Phase

The second growth phase of interphase in which the cell continues to grow and prepares for mitosis.

Centromere

The region on the side of a dividing cell that acts as attachment points for the spindle fibers.

Meiosis

A process in cell division during which the number of chromosomes decreases to half the original number by two divisions of the nucleus, which results in the production of sex cells.

S Phase

The phase of interphase in which the DNA is copied or synthesized.

Telophase

The final stage of mitosis or meiosis, during which a nuclear membrane forms around each set of new chromosomes.

Cell Cycle

The process eukaryotic cells undergo as they copy their DNA and divide to produce a new cell.