Cell Cycle / Mitosis

cell plate in plant cells

the midline of a dividing plant cell. Where the new cell wall forms during cytokinesis.

G2 Phase

The second growth phase of the cell cycle during interphase after DNA synthesis occurs.

S Phase

The synthesis of DNA during the cell cycle; the portion of interphase during which DNA is replicated.

Chromatin

granular material visible within the nucleus; consists of DNA tightly coiled around proteins

Prophase

is the 1st and longest phase of mitosis. Chromosomes become visible. The centrioles separate and move to opposite sides of the cell. Chromosomes become attached to fibers in the spindle at the centromere. Chromosomes coil more tightly. Nucleolus disappears. Nuclear envelope breaks down.

asexual reproduction

A type of reproduction involving only one parent that produces genetically identical offspring. Ex. how body cells divide

interphase

Stage in the cell cycle when the cell is not dividing. Cells grow, chromosomes and organelles are duplicated and cells grow more. G1, S, G2

Cytokinesis

The division of the cytoplasm to form two separate daughter cells immediately after mitosis.

G1 Phase

The first growth phase of the cell cycle during interphase before DNA synthesis occurs.

Centromere

Where the sister chromatids are attached to form one chromosome.

Chromosomes

carry genetic material, found in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells.

Metaphase

is the 2nd stage of mitosis. Often lasts only a few minutes. Chromosomes line up across the center of the cell. Microtubules connect the centromere of each chromosome to the two poles of the spindle

Anaphase

is the 3rd stage of mitosis, in which the chromatids of each chromosome have separated and the daughter chromosomes are moving to the poles of the cell.

Telophase

is the 4th and final stage of mitosis, in which daughter nuclei are forming and cytokinesis has typically begun.

Cell Division

is the division of one cell into two. The reproduction of new cells.

Cell Cycle

is the entire series of events cells go through when they divide

Mitosis

is the process of the division of the nucleus in eukaryotic cells (body cells only). Usually includes four stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.

Chromatid

one of two identical "sister" parts of a duplicated chromosome attached at the centromere. While joined, they make up one chromosome. These are separated during mitosis.