Characteristics of Prokaryotic Cells and Mitosis

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts associated with prokaryotic cells, mitosis, and the cell cycle.

Prokaryotic Cells

Cells that lack a nucleus and organelles, except for ribosomes, and are single-celled organisms.

Binary Fission

The asexual method of reproduction in prokaryotic cells involving the duplication and separation of chromosomes followed by cell division.

Mitosis

The process of cell division in eukaryotic cells where a single cell divides to form two identical daughter cells, involving stages such as prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.

Cell Cycle

The series of stages that a cell goes through as it grows and divides, including the processes of mitosis and cytokinesis.

Cytokinesis

The final stage of cell division where the cell cytoplasm is divided, resulting in two separate daughter cells.

Prometaphase

The stage of mitosis where the nuclear envelope dissolves and chromosomes become attached to the mitotic spindle.

Metaphase

The stage of mitosis in which chromosomes are aligned in the middle of the cell by the mitotic spindle.

Checkpoints in the Cell Cycle

Regulatory points in the cell cycle where the cell assesses whether it is ready to proceed to the next phase.

Chromosome

A structure composed of DNA and proteins that contains genetic information; it is replicated during cell division.

Mitotic Spindle

The structure formed during mitosis that separates the chromosomes into the daughter cells.