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Cell Division
The process by which a parent cell divides into two or more daughter cells.
Cell Cycle
The life of a cell from its formation until it divides.
Genome
The complete set of genetic material in an organism.
Chromatin
A complex of DNA and protein found in eukaryotic cells.
Chromosomes
Structures that carry genetic information, made of chromatin.
Sister Chromatids
Identical copies of a chromosome, joined together at the centromere.
Centromere
The region where two sister chromatids are most closely attached.
Mitosis
The division of the genetic material in the nucleus.
Cytokinesis
The division of the cytoplasm to form two separate daughter cells.
Meiosis
A type of cell division that produces nonidentical daughter cells with half the number of chromosomes.
Interphase
The phase of the cell cycle where the cell grows and prepares for division.
G1 phase
The 'first gap' phase of interphase where the cell grows and carries out normal functions.
S phase
The 'synthesis' phase of interphase where DNA is replicated.
G2 phase
The 'second gap' phase of interphase where the cell prepares for mitosis.
Prophase
The first stage of mitosis where chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes.
Prometaphase
The stage of mitosis where the nuclear envelope fragments and microtubules attach to kinetochores.
Metaphase
The stage of mitosis where chromosomes align at the metaphase plate.
Anaphase
The stage of mitosis where sister chromatids separate and move toward opposite poles.
Telophase
The final stage of mitosis where the chromosomes decondense and nuclear envelopes reform.
Binary Fission
A method of asexual reproduction in prokaryotes where a single cell divides into two.
Cleavage Furrow
The indentation of the cell's surface that begins the process of cytokinesis in animal cells.
Cell Plate
A structure that forms during cytokinesis in plant cells, leading to the formation of a new cell wall.
Checkpoints
Regulatory points in the cell cycle that control progression through the cycle.
G1 checkpoint
The checkpoint that determines if the cell is ready to enter the S phase.
M checkpoint
The checkpoint that ensures all chromosomes are attached to the spindle before anaphase starts.
Cyclins
Proteins that regulate the cell cycle and activate cyclin-dependent kinases.
Growth Factors
External signals that stimulate cell division.
Density-Dependent Inhibition
A phenomenon where crowded cells stop dividing.
Anchorage Dependence
The requirement for cells to be attached to a substratum to divide.
Cancer Cells
Cells that divide uncontrollably due to loss of regulatory signals.
Tumor
A mass of abnormal cells that can be benign or malignant.
Benign Tumor
A tumor that remains at its original site and doesn't invade surrounding tissues.
Malignant Tumor
A tumor that invades surrounding tissues and can metastasize.
Metastasis
The spread of cancer cells to other parts of the body.
Cytoplasmic Signals
Molecules present in the cytoplasm that regulate the cell cycle.
Eukaryotic Cells
Cells with a true nucleus and organelles, including a structured cell cycle.
Prokaryotic Cells
Simple cells without a nucleus, typically reproduce by binary fission.
Microtubules
Cylindrical structures made of tubulin proteins that play a role in cell division.
Centrosome
A microtubule organizing center that helps form the mitotic spindle.
Kinetochores
Protein complexes that assemble on the centromere and attach to spindle microtubules.
Aster
A radial array of short microtubules that extends from the centrosome.
Experiment 1 (Cell Cycle Control)
A fusion experiment showing that cytoplasmic signals control cell cycle progression.
Experimental Results (G1 Checkpoint)
Cells need go-ahead signals to progress through the cell cycle.
Transformation
The process by which normal cells become cancerous.
Internal Signals
Regulatory signals from within the cell that affect the cell cycle.
External Signals
Regulatory signals from outside the cell that influence cell division.
Chromosome Duplication
The process of copying chromosomes in preparation for cell division.
Cell Growth
The increase in cell size that occurs during interphase.
Tissue Renewal
The process of replacing damaged or dead cells in multicellular organisms.
Cytoplasmic Regulation
The control of the cell cycle by signaling molecules in the cytoplasm.
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