Cell division
The process by which a cell reproduces and gives rise to new cells.
Genetically identical daughter cells
The result of most cell divisions, where the two daughter cells have the same genetic material as the parent cell.
Mitotic phase
The phase of the cell cycle where cell division occurs, including the stages of mitosis and cytokinesis.
Interphase
The phase of the cell cycle where the cell grows and carries out its normal functions, preparing for cell division.
Eukaryotic cell cycle
The series of events that a eukaryotic cell goes through from its formation to its division into two daughter cells.
Molecular control system
The system that regulates the progression of the eukaryotic cell cycle, ensuring that each phase occurs at the right time and in the correct order.
Daughter cells
The two cells that result from the division of a parent cell.
Prokaryotic cell
A type of cell that lacks a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.
Unicellular eukaryote
A single-celled organism that has a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.
Multicellular eukaryote
An organism made up of multiple cells, where cell division enables development from a single cell.
Reproduction
The ability of organisms to produce more of their own kind, which is based on the reproduction of cells through cell division.
Cell mechanics
The processes and mechanisms involved in cell division.
DNA
The genetic material of a cell, which is replicated and distributed during cell division.
Genome
The complete set of genetic material in an organism.
Chromosomes
Structures composed of DNA and proteins that carry genes and are involved in the replication and distribution of DNA during cell division.
Chromatin
The complex of DNA and proteins that make up chromosomes.
Condensation
The process of chromosomes becoming more tightly packed during cell division.
Somatic cells
All body cells except reproductive cells, which contain a characteristic number of chromosomes for each eukaryotic species.
Reproductive cells
Cells involved in sexual reproduction, such as sperm and eggs, which undergo a special type of cell division called meiosis.
Mitosis
The division of the genetic material in the nucleus.
Cytokinesis
The division of the cytoplasm.
Somatic cells
Cells that make up the body, produced through mitosis and cytokinesis.
Gametes
Reproductive cells, such as sperm and eggs.
Chromosomes
Structures in the cell that contain DNA.
Chromatin fiber
The form of a chromosome when a cell is not dividing.
Sister chromatids
Joined copies of a duplicated chromosome.
Centromere
The region where sister chromatids are attached most closely.
Arms of the chromatid
The portions of a chromatid on either side of the centromere.
Chromosome duplication
The process of replicating a chromosome, including DNA replication.
Chromosome condensation
The process of chromosomes becoming densely coiled and folded.
Separation of sister chromatids
The step in cell division where sister chromatids separate and become individual chromosomes.
Chromosome distribution
The process of distributing chromosomes to new nuclei during cell division.
Cell Cycle
The series of events that take place in a cell leading to its division and duplication.
S Phase
The phase of the cell cycle in which DNA synthesis or replication occurs.
G1 Phase
The first gap phase of the cell cycle, during which the cell grows and carries out its normal functions.
G2 Phase
The second gap phase of the cell cycle, during which the cell continues to grow and prepares for cell division.
Mitosis
The process of cell division in which the nucleus of a cell is divided into two daughter nuclei, each with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell.
Cytokinesis
The division of the cytoplasm of a cell following mitosis, resulting in the formation of two daughter cells.
Chromosomes
Thread-like structures located in the nucleus of a cell that contain genetic information.
Interphase
The longest phase of the cell cycle, during which the cell grows and carries out its normal functions, and DNA replication occurs.
Centrosomes
Structures in animal cells that organize the microtubules of the spindle during cell division.
Prophase
The first stage of mitosis, during which the chromatin fibers condense into discrete chromosomes and the mitotic spindle begins to form.
Prometaphase
The stage of mitosis following prophase, during which the nuclear envelope fragments, microtubules invade the nuclear area, and the chromosomes become even more condensed.
Kinetochore
A specialized protein structure that forms at the centromere of each chromatid during prometaphase and attaches to the microtubules of the spindle.
Chromatid
One of the two identical copies of a chromosome that are joined at the centromere.
DNA
Deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecule that carries genetic information in all living organisms.
Daughter chromosomes
The individual chromosomes that result from the separation of sister chromatids during anaphase of mitosis.
Metaphase plate
An imaginary plane that is equidistant between the two poles of the spindle during metaphase of mitosis, where the chromosomes align.
Spindle
A structure composed of microtubules that forms during cell division and helps separate the chromosomes.
Nucleolus forming
The process of the nucleolus reappearing in the daughter cells during telophase of mitosis.
Nuclear envelope forming
The process of the nuclear envelope reforming around the daughter nuclei during telophase of mitosis.
Cleavage furrow
A groove that forms in animal cells during cytokinesis, which eventually leads to the separation of the two daughter cells.
Centrosome
A subcellular region that functions to organize the microtubules of the cell, including the spindle.
Metaphase
The stage of mitosis where the chromosomes align at the metaphase plate.
Anaphase
The stage of mitosis where the sister chromatids separate and move towards opposite ends of the cell.
Telophase and Cytokinesis
The final stages of mitosis where the nuclear envelopes reform, the chromosomes become less condensed, and the cytoplasm divides to form two daughter cells.
Kinetochore microtubules
Microtubules that function in the poleward movement of chromosomes during cell division.
Motor proteins
Proteins that are involved in the movement of objects along microtubules.
Pac-man mechanism
A mechanism in which motor proteins on the kinetochores "walk" the chromosomes along microtubules, which depolymerize at their kinetochore ends after the motor proteins have passed.
Cleavage furrow
A shallow groove in the cell surface that appears during cytokinesis in animal cells.
Contractile ring
A ring of actin microfilaments associated with molecules of the protein myosin, which contracts during cytokinesis in animal cells.
Cell plate
A structure that forms during cytokinesis in plant cells, derived from vesicles from the Golgi apparatus, and eventually develops into a new cell wall.
Cytokinesis
The process of cell division that involves the separation of the cytoplasm and the formation of two daughter cells.
Microtubule depolymerization
The process of microtubules breaking down or disassembling.
Tubulin subunits
The building blocks of microtubules, which are added or released during microtubule assembly and disassembly.
Chromosome movement
The movement of chromosomes during cell division, facilitated by microtubules and motor proteins.
Vesicles
Small sacs or pouches that transport materials within a cell.
Cell plate
A structure that forms during cell division in plant cells and eventually becomes the cell wall between the two daughter cells.
Mitosis
The process of cell division in which a single cell divides into two identical daughter cells.
Cytokinesis
The final stage of cell division, in which the cytoplasm divides to form two separate daughter cells.
Binary fission
A type of cell division in prokaryotes (bacteria and archaea) where a cell grows and then divides into two cells.
Eukaryotes
Organisms whose cells have a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.
Prokaryotes
Organisms whose cells do not have a nucleus or other membrane-bound organelles.
Chromosome
A structure made of DNA and proteins that carries genetic information.
Origin of replication
A specific place on a chromosome where DNA replication begins.
Plasma membrane
The outer boundary of a cell that separates the cell from its environment.
Polymerization
The process of forming a polymer, a large molecule made up of repeating subunits.
Actin
A protein that plays a role in cell movement and shape changes.
Tubulin
A protein that makes up microtubules, which are involved in cell division and cell structure.
Evolution
The process of change in living organisms over time.
Nuclear envelope
The double membrane that surrounds the nucleus of a eukaryotic cell.
Genome
The complete set of genetic material in an organism.
Dinoflagellates
Unicellular eukaryotes that have two flagella and are often found in marine environments.
Diatoms
Unicellular eukaryotes that have a unique cell wall made of silica and are important primary producers in aquatic ecosystems.
Yeasts
Single-celled fungi that can reproduce asexually by budding.
Chromosome replication
The process of copying a chromosome to produce two identical copies.
Chromosome
A structure made of DNA and proteins that carries genetic information.
Chromatid
One of the two identical copies of a chromosome that are joined together by a centromere.
Cytokinesis
The division of the cytoplasm that occurs after nuclear division, resulting in the formation of two daughter cells.
Tubulin
A protein that forms microtubules, which are involved in various cellular processes including cell division.
Actin
A protein that forms microfilaments, which are involved in various cellular processes including cell division.
Binary fission
A type of cell division in bacteria where the cell divides into two equal daughter cells.
Kinetochore
A protein structure on the centromere of a chromosome that attaches to microtubules during cell division.
Cell cycle
The series of events that take place in a cell leading to its division and duplication of its DNA.
Cell cycle control system
A set of regulatory proteins and checkpoints that control the progression of the cell cycle.
Mitosis
The process of nuclear division in eukaryotic cells, resulting in the formation of two genetically identical daughter nuclei.
Cell Cycle
The series of events that take place in a cell leading to its division and duplication.
Checkpoint signals
Internal and external signals that can either pause or continue the cell cycle.
Cyclins
Proteins that fluctuate in concentration and are required for the activation of cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdks).
Cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdks)
Enzymes that activate or inactivate other proteins by phosphorylating them, and their activity depends on the concentration of cyclins.