cell cycle

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering cell cycle phases, mitosis stages, histology concepts, extracellular matrix components, epithelial tissue classifications, connective tissue types, muscle tissues, and nervous tissue.

$G_1$ phase

The growth phase during which the cell grows, develops, and carries out activities specific to its cell type.

$G_0$ phase

A non-dividing (amitotic) state entered by specific cells, such as adult neurons, that remain in a non-dividing phase indefinitely.

S phase

The synthesis phase of the cell cycle during which the cell's DNA is replicated and centrioles are duplicated.

$G_2$ phase

The second growth phase during which the cell makes its final preparations for cell division.

M phase

The cell division phase of mitosis (dna splitting) and cytokinesis (distribution of cytoplasm).

Interphase

The stage of the cell cycle including phases $G_1$, S, and $G_2$ during which the cell is not dividing and DNA remains in chromatin form.

Sister chromatids

Identical twin copies of a replicated chromosome that are joined together at a centromere.

Chromatin

The uncoiled, loose form of DNA and proteins present inside the nucleus throughout interphase.

Prophase

The first stage of mitosis where the nuclear membrane degenerates, chromatin condenses into chromosomes, centrioles migrate to opposite poles, and the mitotic spindle forms.

Metaphase

The stage of mitosis during which sister chromatids line up along the equator of the cell.

Anaphase

The stage of mitosis in which spindle fibers shorten, pulling centromeres apart and drawing sister chromatids toward opposite poles as cytokinesis begins.

Telophase

The final stage of mitosis in which a cleavage furrow forms, nuclear membranes reassemble, spindle fibers fade, and DNA returns to chromatin form.

Cytokinesis

The division of the mother cell's cytoplasm between two identical daughter cells.

Cleavage furrow

A divot or groove that forms between two dividing cells in telophase, narrowing until the cell is pinched into two distinct daughter cells.