Animal Cell

Nucleus

The control center of the cell that contains genetic material and regulates cellular activities.

Nuclear Pore

Channels that regulate the exchange of materials (RNA, proteins) between the nucleus and cytoplasm.

Nucleolus

Site of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) synthesis and ribosome assembly within the nucleus.

Nuclear Envelope

Double membrane that encloses the nucleus, separating it from the cytoplasm.

Nucleoplasm

Viscous fluid within the nucleus, containing chromatin and nucleolus.

Cell Membrane

Semi-permeable barrier that controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell.

Lysosome

Membrane-bound organelles containing digestive enzymes responsible for breaking down waste materials and cellular debris.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

Studded with ribosomes, involved in protein synthesis and processing, and transports proteins to the Golgi apparatus.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

Lacks ribosomes, involved in lipid synthesis, detoxification, and calcium ion storage.

Ribosome

Molecular machines that synthesize proteins by translating mRNA, can be free in the cytoplasm or bound to the RER.

Mitochondria

Responsible for ATP production through cellular respiration, contains its own DNA and double membrane.

Golgi Apparatus

Stacked membrane-bound structures that modify, sort, and package proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery to other organelles.

Cytoplasm

Gel-like substance filling the cell, containing organelles, cytoskeleton, and various molecules; site of many metabolic processes.

Centriole

Cylindrical structures involved in cell division, forming spindle fibers that separate chromosomes.

Centrosome

Region near the nucleus that organizes microtubules and is critical for cell division.

Secretory Vesicle

Membrane-bound vesicles that transport materials to the cell membrane for secretion.

Peroxisome

Organelles that contain enzymes for oxidative reactions, breaking down fatty acids and detoxifying harmful substances.

G1 Phase (Gap 1)

The cell growth phase where it synthesizes proteins and organelles and prepares for DNA replication.

S Phase (Synthesis)

Phase where DNA replication occurs, resulting in duplicated chromosomes consisting of sister chromatids.

G2 Phase (Gap 2)

Phase of further cell growth and preparation for mitosis, including synthesis of proteins required for mitosis.

M Phase (Mitosis)

Phase where cell division occurs, resulting in two genetically identical daughter cells through several stages.

G0 Phase (Resting Phase)

A quiescent state where cells are metabolically active but not actively dividing.

Interphase

Preparatory phase before mitosis, consisting of G1, S, and G2 phases.

Prophase

Stage of mitosis where chromosomes condense, spindle fibers form, and the nuclear envelope breaks down.

Metaphase

Stage of mitosis where chromosomes align at the equatorial plane and spindle fibers attach to centromeres.

Anaphase

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

Telophase

Stage of mitosis where chromosomes de-condense, and nuclear envelopes reform around each set of chromosomes.

Cytokinesis

Process that divides the cytoplasm, resulting in two daughter cells.

Meiosis

Specialized type of cell division that reduces chromosome number by half, resulting in four haploid cells.

Prophase I

Stage of Meiosis I where homologous chromosomes pair up and crossing over occurs.

Metaphase I

Stage of Meiosis I where tetrads align at the equatorial plane.

Anaphase I

Stage of Meiosis I where homologous chromosomes are pulled apart to opposite poles.

Telophase I

Stage of Meiosis I where chromosomes reach the poles and begin to de-condense.

Cytokinesis I

Final stage of Meiosis I resulting in two haploid cells.

Prophase II

Stage of Meiosis II where chromosomes condense again and spindle apparatus forms.

Metaphase II

Stage of Meiosis II where chromosomes align at the equatorial plane.

Anaphase II

Stage of Meiosis II where sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles.

Telophase II

Final stage of Meiosis II where chromatids de-condense and nuclear envelopes reform.

Cytokinesis II

Process following telophase II resulting in the formation of four genetically distinct haploid cells (gametes).