Biology - Cell Cycle, Mitosis, Binary Fission

cell division

the process by which one cell divides to form two daughter cells

binary fission

a form of cell division in prokaryotes where DNA replicates, the cell grows, and splits into two identical daughter cells

binary fission steps

DNA replication → cell elongation → DNA separation → membrane constriction → formation of two identical cells

mitosis

division of the nucleus in eukaryotic cells where duplicated chromosomes are separated into two nuclei

cytokinesis

division of the cytoplasm to form two separate daughter cells after mitosis

mitotic cell division

the combination of mitosis & cytokinesis that produces two genetically identical daughter cells

cell cycle

the life cycle of a cell consisting of interphase and M phase

interphase

the phase where the cell grows, replicates DNA, and prepares for division (includes G1, S, G2)

M Phase

the phase where the cell divides; includes mitosis and cytokenesis

G1 phase

regulatory protein synthesis, cell growth and preparation for S phase/DNA synthesis

S phase

DNA synthesis; DNA is replicated

G2 phase

further protein synthesis/growth and preparation for M phase

G0 phase

when cells are not actively dividing

chromosome

a structure made of DNA and proteins that carries genetic information; 46 in total, 23 pairs

sister chromatids

two identical copies of a chromosome joined at the centromere

centromere

the region where sister chromatids are attached

homologus chromosomes

pairs of chromosomes with the same genes, one from each parent

ploidy

the number of complete sets of chromosomes in a cell

haploid (n)

a cell with one set of chromosomes, no pairs (eggs, sperm)

diploid (2n)

a cell with two sets of chromosomes - 1 from female parent, 1 from male parent

prophase

chromosomes condense and become visible; centrosomes radiate microtubules (spindles) & migrate to opposite poles

prometaphase

nuclear envelope breaks down and spindle fibers attach to chromosomes

metaphase

chromosomes align in the center of the cell

anaphase

sister chromatids separate and move to opposite poles

telophase

nuclear envelopes reform and chromosomes decondense

mitotic spindle

structure made of microtubules that separates chromosomes during mitosis

kinetochore

protein structure on the centromere where spindle fibers attach

contractile ring (animal cells)

a ring of actin filaments that pinches the cell into two during cytokenesis

cell plate (plant cells)

a structure that forms a new cell wall between two daughter plant cells during cytokenesis