Biology: Mitosis and Binary Fission Vocabulary

A collection of vocabulary terms exploring the processes of binary fission in prokaryotes and mitosis in eukaryotes based on the lecture notes.

Binary Fission

The process by which a single prokaryotic cell divides to form two genetically identical daughter cells.

Binary

A word meaning "two."

Fission

A word meaning "splitting apart."

Prokaryotes

Cells that have no nucleus, DNA not enclosed by a membrane, and only one circular chromosome.

DNA Replication (Binary Fission)

The stage where the single circular chromosome and any plasmids make exact copies of themselves.

Cell Elongation

The stage where the bacterium grows larger and newly replicated DNA copies migrate toward opposite ends of the cell.

Septum Formation

The stage where a new cell wall and membrane (the septum) begin to form down the middle of the cell.

Separation (Cytokinesis)

The final stage of binary fission where the septum completely divides the cytoplasm, pinching the cell into two distinct, genetically identical daughter cells.

Mitosis

The process of cell division in eukaryotic cells where a single cell replicates its chromosomes and divides into two genetically identical daughter cells.

Septum

A new cell wall and membrane that forms during binary fission to divide the cell.

Prokaryotic Cell Characteristics

Simple process, no spindle fibers, DNA is circular as a single chromosome, and cell division is rapid.

Eukaryotic Cell Characteristics

Complex process with spindle fibers, includes stages like prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase, and involves linear DNA with multiple chromosomes.

Shared features of cell division

Both binary fission and mitosis involve DNA replication before division to ensure genetic material is passed to daughter cells.