Lab: Mitosis & Meiosis

Mitosis

A type of cell division in eukaryotic cells where a

single cell divides into two identical daughter cells, involving

phases such as prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and

telophase.

Interphase

The phase of the cell cycle where the cell

grows, replicates its DNA, and prepares for mitosis; consists

of G1, S, and G2 phases.

Cytokinesis

The process that divides the cytoplasm of a

parental cell into two daughter cells, occurring after mitosis

or meiosis.

Cell Cycle

The series of events that a cell goes through as

it grows, replicates its DNA, and divides, comprising

interphase, mitosis, and cytokinesis.

Chromosomes

Structures within cells made of DNA

and proteins that contain genetic information; become

visible during cell division.

Chromatin

The complex of DNA and proteins found in

the nucleus of a cell, which condenses to form

chromosomes during cell division.

Gametes

Reproductive cells (sperm and egg) that are

haploid, containing half the number of chromosomes of

a diploid cell.

Somatic

Refers to any cell in the body that is not a

gamete; somatic cells are diploid and undergo mitosis.

Diploid

A cell or organism that has two sets of

chromosomes, one from each parent, typically found in

somatic cells.

Haploid

A cell that contains one complete set of

chromosomes, typically found in gametes.

Polyploid

Cells or organisms that have more than two

complete sets of chromosomes.

Centrioles

Cylindrical structures in animal cells that

help organize the assembly of microtubules during cell

division.

Prophase

The first stage of mitosis where chromatin

condenses into chromosomes, the nuclear membrane

breaks down, and spindle fibers form.

Metaphase

The stage of mitosis where chromosomes

line up in the middle of the cell, attached to spindle

fibers.

Anaphase

The stage of mitosis where sister

chromatids are pulled apart to opposite sides of the cell.

Telophase

The final stage of mitosis where

chromosomes de-condense, nuclear membranes re-

form, and the cell prepares to divide.

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death, a controlled

process by which cells self-destruct when they are

damaged or no longer needed.

Meiosis I and II

The two stages of meiosis; Meiosis I

separates homologous chromosomes into two cells,

while Meiosis II separates sister chromatids, resulting in

four haploid gametes.