Cell Division and Mitosis Flashcards

Flashcards covering key concepts of cell division, mitosis, and related processes from lecture notes.

Cell division

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

Cell cycle

An ordered series of events involving cell growth and cell division that produces two new daughter cells.

G1 phase

Interval or gap after cell division.

S phase

Time of DNA synthesis (replication).

G2 phase

Interval or gap after DNA replication.

Mitosis

Period of nuclear division, usually followed by cytoplasmic division.

Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase

What are the four stages of mitosis?

Prophase

Duplicated chromosomes begin to condense, new microtubules are assembled, and the nuclear envelope starts to break up.

Metaphase

All chromosomes are lined up at the spindle equator and are maximally condensed.

Anaphase

Each paired chromosome splits into two sister chromatids, now known as daughter chromosomes, which are pulled towards opposite ends of the cell.

Telophase

Chromosomes de-condense, and two nuclear membranes form around each set of unduplicated chromosomes.

Cytokinesis

Cytoplasmic division, occurring between late anaphase and the end of telophase, through cleavage (animals) or cell plate formation (plants).

Results of Mitosis

Two daughter nuclei, each with the same chromosome number as the parent cell, in unduplicated form.

Significance of Mitosis

Growth and development of multicellular organisms, repairing damaged or worn-out tissues.

HeLa Cells

Line of human cancer cells that can be grown in culture, descendants of tumor cells from Henrietta Lacks, invaluable for medical research.

Homologous Chromosomes

Chromosomes with the same genes in the same order.

Crossing Over

Non-sister chromosomes exchange segments, resulting in chromosomes containing both maternal and parental segments.

Mitosis

Happens in somatic cells for cellular proliferation, producing 2 diploid daughter cells with the same chromosome number and genetic variation.

Meiosis

Happens in germ cells for sexual reproduction, producing 4 haploid daughter cells with the chromosome number halved and increased genetic variation.