Cell Cycle, Mitosis, and Cell Differentiation Glossary

A complete set of vocabulary flashcards covering the cell cycle, mitosis, reproduction, genetic concepts, and cellular differentiation terms.

Anaphase

The stage of mitosis when sister chromatids separate and move to opposite ends of the cell.

Cancer

A group of diseases in which abnormal cells divide uncontrollably. These cells may invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body.

Carcinogen

A substance or agent that can cause cancer or increase the risk of developing it.

Cell cycle

The series of stages a cell goes through as it grows, copies its DNA, and divides.

Cell plate

A structure that forms between two new nuclei in a dividing plant cell. It develops into a new cell wall that separates the daughter cells.

Centromere

The region of a chromosome where sister chromatids are joined and where spindle fibers attach during cell division.

Centrosome

A structure in animal cells that helps organize microtubules and form the spindle used to move chromosomes during cell division.

Checkpoint

A control point in the cell cycle where the cell checks whether key processes are complete and conditions are suitable before continuing.

Chromosome

A DNA molecule packaged with proteins that contains genetic information.

Cleavage furrow

A pinching-in of the cell membrane that forms in an animal cell as it divides during cytokinesis.

Cytokinesis

The division of a cell’s cytoplasm, producing two separate daughter cells after nuclear division.

Cytoplasm

The contents of a cell between the cell membrane and the nucleus, including fluid and organelles.

Daughter cell

One of the cells produced when a parent cell divides.

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)

The molecule that stores the genetic instructions used by cells to grow, function, and reproduce.

Differential gene expression

The process by which cells use different sets of genes, even though they generally contain the same DNA. This helps cells develop different structures and functions.

Differentiation

The process by which a cell becomes specialized in structure and function.

Diploid

Describes a cell that has two sets of chromosomes, typically one set inherited from each parent.

Egg cell

A female reproductive cell, or gamete, that can join with a sperm cell during fertilization.

Embryo

An early stage of development of an organism after fertilization.

Fertilize

To join a sperm cell and an egg cell, combining their genetic material to begin development of a new organism.

Gap 1 (G1)

The first growth stage of interphase. The cell grows, performs its usual functions, and makes materials needed for later stages.

Gap 2 (G2)

The growth stage of interphase after DNA replication. The cell continues growing and prepares for mitosis.

Gene

A section of DNA that contains instructions for making a functional product, such as a protein or RNA molecule.

Genome

The complete set of genetic information in an organism or cell.

Growth

Cells divide to help an organism grow by increasing its number of cells.

Haploid

Describes a cell that has one set of chromosomes, as in sperm and egg cells.

Interphase

The part of the cell cycle when a cell grows, carries out its usual functions, copies its DNA, and prepares to divide.

Maintenance

Cells divide to repair tissues and replace old, damaged, or worn-out cells.

Metaphase

The stage of mitosis when chromosomes line up across the middle of the cell.

Mitosis

The process in which a cell’s nucleus divides, producing two nuclei with the same genetic information.

Mitotic phase (M)

The part of the cell cycle that includes mitosis and cytokinesis, when the cell divides into two daughter cells.

Multicellular

Describes an organism made up of many cells that can have different structures and functions.

Nucleus

The cell structure that contains most of the cell’s DNA and controls many of its activities.

Parent cell

A cell that divides to produce daughter cells.

Prophase

The first stage of mitosis, when chromosomes become visible and the spindle begins to form.

Protein

A molecule made of amino acids that performs many jobs in cells, including providing structure and carrying out chemical reactions.

Replication

The process of copying DNA so that each new cell can receive a complete set of genetic information.

Sister chromatid

One of two identical copies of a chromosome made during DNA replication. The copies are joined at the centromere until they separate during cell division.

Somatic cell

Any body cell that is not a reproductive cell, such as a skin or muscle cell.

Sperm cell

A male reproductive cell, or gamete, that can join with an egg cell during fertilization.

Spindle fibers

Structures made of microtubules that attach to chromosomes and help move them during cell division.

Stem cell

An unspecialized cell that can divide and develop into one or more specialized cell types.

Synthesis phase (S)

The part of interphase when a cell copies its DNA.

Telophase

The stage of mitosis when new nuclei form around the separated chromosomes at opposite ends of the cell.

Tumor (benign and malignant)

A tumor is a mass of abnormal cells. A benign tumor is not cancerous and does not spread; a malignant tumor is cancerous and can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body.

Unicellular

Describes an organism made up of a single cell.

Zygote

The first cell of a new organism, formed when a sperm cell and an egg cell join.