Cell Cycle and Division Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards defining essential terms related to the cell cycle, mitosis, regulation, and cancer biology.

Chromatin

The relaxed, uncoiled form of DNA and associated proteins found in the nucleus of a eukaryotic cell during interphase.

Nucleosome

A repeating structural subunit of chromatin consisting of a segment of DNA wound around a core of histone proteins.

Cell cycle

The regular sequence of growth, DNA replication, and cell division that a eukaryotic cell undergoes.

Interphase

The period of the cell cycle during which the cell grows, performs normal metabolic functions, and replicates its DNA in preparation for division.

Mitosis

The process of nuclear division in eukaryotic cells that segregates duplicated chromosomes into two identical daughter nuclei.

Sister chromatid

One of two identical copies of a replicated chromosome that are joined together at the centromere.

Centromere

The specialized DNA region of a chromosome where two sister chromatids are attached and where spindle fibers attach during cell division.

Spindle apparatus

A microtubule-based cytoskeletal structure that coordinates chromosome movement and segregation during mitosis.

Prophase

The first stage of mitosis, during which chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes, the nuclear envelope breaks down, and the spindle apparatus forms.

Metaphase

The stage of mitosis during which duplicated chromosomes align along the equator or metaphase plate of the cell.

Anaphase

The stage of mitosis during which sister chromatids separate at the centromere and are pulled toward opposite poles of the cell.

Telophase

The final stage of mitosis, during which separated chromosomes arrive at the poles, decondense, and nuclear envelopes reform around each set.

Cytokinesis

The division of the cell cytoplasm to form two separate, distinct daughter cells following mitosis.

Cyclin

A regulatory protein whose concentration fluctuates throughout the cell cycle to help control cycle progression.

Cyclin-dependent kinase

An enzyme that, when bound to a specific cyclin, phosphorylates target proteins to drive the cell cycle through various checkpoints.

Apoptosis

A programmed, orderly process of cellular self-destruction used to eliminate damaged, infected, or unnecessary cells.

Stem cell

An unspecialized cell capable of self-renewal and dividing to produce differentiated cell types.

Growth factor

A broad group of proteins that stimulate cell division, growth, and survival by signaling to target cells.

Cancer

A disorder characterized by uncontrolled and unregulated cell growth and division that can invade surrounding tissues.

Carcinogen

Any substance, chemical, radiation, or agent that is capable of causing cancer in living tissue.