Mitosis and meiosis

Cell Cycle

The series of stages that a cell goes through to divide and produce daughter cells.

Cell Division

The process by which a parent cell divides into two or more daughter cells.

Interphase

The stage of the cell cycle where the cell prepares for division, consisting of G1, S, and G2 phases.

Synthesis (DNA)

The phase of the cell cycle where DNA is replicated.

Replication (DNA)

The process by which a cell makes an exact copy of its DNA.

Chromosome

A thread-like structure made of DNA and protein that carries genetic information.

Chromatid

One half of a duplicated chromosome, which becomes a separate chromosome after cell division.

Centromere

The region of a chromosome where two sister chromatids are joined.

Mitosis

The process of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells.

Prophase

The first stage of mitosis where chromatin condenses into chromosomes and the nuclear envelope begins to break down.

Metaphase

The stage of mitosis where chromosomes align at the cell's equatorial plane.

Anaphase

The stage of mitosis where sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles of the cell.

Telophase

The final stage of mitosis where chromosomes de-condense and the nuclear envelope reforms.

Cytokinesis

The division of the cytoplasm to form two separate daughter cells.

Centriole

A cylindrical structure involved in the organization of microtubules during cell division.

Spindle

A structure made of microtubules that segregates chromosomes during cell division.

Nucleus & Nuclear Envelope

The nucleus houses the cell's genetic material, and the nuclear envelope protects it while regulating entry and exit.

Gametes - egg and sperm

Reproductive cells that unite during fertilization to form a zygote.

Haploid

A cell that contains a single set of chromosomes.

Diploid

A cell that contains two sets of chromosomes, one from each parent.

Meiosis

A type of cell division that produces haploid gametes from diploid cells.