The Process of Cell Division

Front

Chromosome Noun

---

[kroh-muh-sohm]

Back

Chromosome

---

A structure in the nucleus containing genetic information, made of DNA tightly coiled around proteins for cell division.

---

Example: This image shows that a chromosome is a condensed structure found inside a cell's nucleus and is made of tightly coiled DNA.

Front

Chromatin Noun

---

[kroh-muh-tin]

Back

Chromatin

---

The complex of DNA and proteins, called histones, that condenses to form chromosomes within the nucleus of eukaryotic cells.

---

Example: This diagram shows chromatin as the mass of thin threads, made of DNA and proteins, located inside the cell's nucleus.

Front

Cell Cycle Noun

---

[sel sy-kuhl]

Back

Cell Cycle

---

The series of events cells go through as they grow, prepare for division, and divide to form two daughter cells.

---

Example: This diagram shows how a single cell grows and divides into two new daughter cells through a series of stages, including interphase, mitosis, and cytokinesis.

Front

Interphase Noun

---

[in-ter-feyz]

Back

Interphase

---

The period of the cell cycle between divisions, where the cell grows, replicates its DNA, and prepares for mitosis.

---

Example: This diagram shows the cell cycle, where Interphase is the longest stage. During Interphase, the cell grows (G1 and G2 phases) and copies its DNA (S phase).

Front

Mitosis Noun

---

[my-toh-sis]

Back

Mitosis

---

The first stage of eukaryotic cell division, involving the division of the cell nucleus and its genetic material.

---

Example: This diagram shows how a single mother cell first duplicates its DNA and then divides, resulting in two new, genetically identical daughter cells.

Front

Cytokinesis Noun

---

[sy-toh-ki-nee-sis]

Back

Cytokinesis

---

The second stage of eukaryotic cell division, involving the division of the cytoplasm to form two separate daughter cells.

---

Example: This diagram shows cytokinesis, where one animal cell's cytoplasm divides, pinching in the middle to form two separate, identical daughter cells.

Front

Prophase Noun

---

[proh-feyz]

Back

Prophase

---

The first phase of mitosis, where genetic material condenses and duplicated chromosomes become visible as the nuclear envelope breaks down.

---

Example: This diagram shows a cell in prophase, where the genetic material condenses into visible X-shaped chromosomes and spindle fibers begin to form.

Front

Metaphase Noun

---

[met-uh-feyz]

Back

Metaphase

---

The second phase of mitosis, during which the centromeres of the duplicated chromosomes line up across the cell's center.

---

Example: This diagram shows metaphase, a stage of cell division where chromosomes line up in the middle of the cell along the metaphase plate.

Front

Anaphase Noun

---

[an-uh-feyz]

Back

Anaphase

---

The third phase of mitosis, during which the sister chromatids separate and move to opposite ends of the cell.

---

Example: During anaphase, the cell elongates and the separated sister chromatids, now called daughter chromosomes, are pulled apart toward opposite ends of the cell.

Front

Telophase Noun

---

[tel-uh-feyz]

Back

Telophase

---

The final phase of mitosis, where chromosomes uncoil into chromatin and a new nuclear envelope re-forms around each set.

---

Example: This diagram shows telophase, where the cell elongates and new nuclear membranes form around the two sets of chromosomes at opposite ends.