Cell Division: Mitosis and Meiosis

These flashcards cover key terminology and definitions related to the processes of mitosis and meiosis.

Mitosis

The formation of daughter cells from a single parent cell, resulting in two identical daughter cells.

Meiosis

A type of cell division that produces four non-identical haploid daughter cells from a diploid cell, specifically gametes.

Prophase

The first phase of mitosis where chromosomes condense and become visible, and the nucleolus disappears.

Metaphase Plate

The line along which chromosomes are aligned in the middle of the cell during metaphase.

Sister Chromatids

Genetically identical strands of DNA connected by a centromere, formed during the replication of chromosomes.

Homologous Chromosomes

Pairs of chromosomes, one from each parent, that are similar in shape, size, and gene content.

Crossing Over

The process by which homologous chromosomes exchange genetic material during prophase I of meiosis.

Independent Segregation

The process by which homologous chromosome pairs are separated randomly during meiosis to increase genetic diversity.

Cytokinesis

The final step of cell division where the cytoplasm splits to form two separate daughter cells.

Telophase II

The final phase of meiosis II where four non-identical haploid daughter cells are formed, each containing 23 chromosomes.