10-2 Cell Division Vocabulary

Interphase

"In between" period of growth.

Chromatids

2 identical sister cells from each chromosome.

Mitosis

Division of the cell nucleus. First Stage

Cytokinesis

Division of the cytoplasm. Second stage.

Centromeres

Each pair of chromatids are connected to this. Located near middle of chromatids.

Spindle

Fanlike, microtubule structure that helps separate the chromosomes.

Telophase

Fourth and final stage of mitosis. Chromosomes disperse and a nuclear envelope forms, spindle breaks and a nucleolus is visible in each sister cell. Mitosis is complete.

Prophase

Longest and first phase of mitosis. Chromosomes become visible.

Metaphase

Second phase of mitosis where chromosomes line up in center of the cell. Microtubules connect the centromere of each chromosome to the two poles of the spindle.

Cell Cycle

Series of events that cells go through as they grow and develop. During this cell grows, replicates its DNA and divides into daughter cells.

Anaphase

Third phase of mitosis where sister chromatids separate and become individual chromosomes. Ends when chromosomes stop moving.

Centrioles

Two tiny structures located in the cytoplasm near the nuclear envelope, separate and take up positions on opposite sides of the nucleus.