Cell Division

Front

Cell Cycle Noun

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[sel sy-kuhl]

Back

Cell Cycle

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The ordered set of steps that a cell repeats as it grows, prepares, and divides into two identical cells.

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Example: This diagram shows the cell cycle, the process where a cell grows and divides into two new daughter cells through a series of stages.

Front

Interphase Noun

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[in-ter-fayz]

Back

Interphase

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The part of the cell cycle when the cell grows, performs its jobs, and replicates its DNA in preparation for division.

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Example: This diagram shows a cell in interphase, the phase where it grows and its DNA, shown as tangled chromatin, is copied before division begins.

Front

Mitosis Noun

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[my-toh-sis]

Back

Mitosis

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The part of the cell cycle when the nucleus divides into two identical nuclei, involving four distinct stages.

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Example: This diagram shows mitosis, a process where one parent cell divides into two identical daughter cells through a series of steps like prophase and anaphase.

Front

Cytokinesis Noun

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[sy-toh-ki-nee-sis]

Back

Cytokinesis

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The division of the cytoplasm to form two separate daughter cells, which occurs after the completion of mitosis.

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Example: This image shows cytokinesis, the final step in cell division where one cell's cytoplasm pinches in the middle to form two new daughter cells.

Front

Chromatin Noun

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[kroh-muh-tin]

Back

Chromatin

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The loose, unpackaged form of DNA and proteins found inside the nucleus of a cell during interphase.

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Example: This diagram shows chromatin as the thread-like material that fills the inside of a cell's nucleus, surrounding the nucleolus.

Front

Chromosome Noun

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[kroh-muh-sohm]

Back

Chromosome

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A structure of tightly packaged DNA that becomes visible during cell division and is designed for moving genetic information.

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Example: This image shows the X-shape of a duplicated chromosome, which is a tightly coiled structure of DNA that carries a cell's genetic information.

Front

Sister Chromatids Noun

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[sis-ter kroh-muh-tidz]

Back

Sister Chromatids

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The two identical copies of a single replicated chromosome that are joined together by a region called the centromere.

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Example: This image shows a chromosome made of two identical copies, called sister chromatids, which are joined together at the centromere.

Front

Centromere Noun

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[sen-truh-meer]

Back

Centromere

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The specialized region of a chromosome where the two sister chromatids are most closely attached to each other.

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Example: This diagram shows a chromosome and uses a pointer to identify the centromere, the specialized region that holds the two sister chromatids together.

Front

Prophase Noun

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[proh-fayz]

Back

Prophase

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The first stage of mitosis, where chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes and the nuclear envelope begins to break down.

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Example: This image shows a cell in prophase, the first stage of mitosis. The chromosomes have condensed and become visible, and the spindle fibers are forming.

Front

Metaphase Noun

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[met-uh-fayz]

Back

Metaphase

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The stage of mitosis where duplicated chromosomes align along the equatorial plate, or the center of the cell.

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Example: This diagram shows a cell in metaphase, where chromosomes line up in the middle along the metaphase plate before being pulled apart.