Meisosis n Mitosis

Cell Cycle

The process by which a cell grows, replicates its DNA, and divides into two daughter cells.

Mitosis

A type of cell division where replicated chromosomes are separated into two identical nuclei, resulting in two genetically identical daughter cells.

Meiosis

A reduction division process that produces gametes with half the chromosome number of the parent cell.

Interphase

The resting stage of the cell cycle where the cell grows and replicates its DNA in preparation for division.

Prophase

The first stage of mitosis where the nuclear membrane breaks down, chromatin condenses into chromatids, and spindle fibers form.

Metaphase

The stage of mitosis where chromatids align at the cell's equator and attach to spindle fibers at the kinetochore.

Anaphase

The stage of mitosis where sister chromatids separate and migrate to opposite poles as spindle fibers shorten.

Telophase

The final stage of mitosis where chromosomes uncoil, spindle fibers disappear, and new nuclear membranes form around the daughter nuclei.

Crossing Over

The exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during meiosis, increasing genetic diversity.

Chiasma

The site where crossing over occurs between homologous chromosomes.

Karyotyping

The process of viewing and arranging chromosomes to analyze their number and structure.

Autosomes

Chromosome pairs 1 to 22, which are not involved in determining sex.

Sex Chromosomes

The twenty-third pair of chromosomes (X and Y) that determine an individual's sex.

Haploid

A cell or organism having half the number of chromosomes (n) as a diploid cell.

Synapsis

The pairing of homologous chromosomes during meiosis.

Sister Chromatids

Identical copies of a chromosome formed by DNA replication, joined together by a common centromere.

Equational Division

Another term for mitosis, where daughter cells receive an equal share of chromosomes.

Reduction Division

Another term for meiosis, where the chromosome number is halved.

Cleavage Furrow

The indentation formed during telophase that divides the cell into two daughter cells.

Spindle Fibers

Microtubule structures that guide the movement of chromosomes during cell division.

Nuclear Membrane

The membrane that encloses the nucleus and breaks down during prophase.

Nucleolus

A structure within the nucleus involved in ribosome production, which disappears during prophase.

Centrioles

Organelles that help organize spindle fibers during cell division.