Cell Growth and Division

Front

Cell Cycle Noun

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[sel sy-kuhl]

Back

Cell Cycle

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The regular pattern of growth, DNA replication, and cell division that occurs in eukaryotic cells to produce two daughter cells.

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Example: This diagram shows the cell cycle, where a single parent 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 longest stage of the cell cycle where a cell grows, replicates its DNA, and carries out its normal functions.

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Example: This diagram shows a cell in interphase, where the DNA (chromatin) has replicated and the cell has grown, preparing it for the next stage of division.

Front

Mitosis Noun

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[my-toh-sis]

Back

Mitosis

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The process of dividing the cell nucleus and its contents into two genetically identical nuclei.

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Example: A single parent cell first copies its genetic material (DNA) and then divides to create two new, identical daughter cells.

Front

Cytokinesis Noun

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[sy-toh-ki-nee-sis]

Back

Cytokinesis

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The process that divides the cell's cytoplasm, creating two separate and identical daughter cells following mitosis.

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Example: This diagram shows an animal cell dividing its cytoplasm to form two new, separate daughter cells, which is the process of cytokinesis.

Front

Chromosome Noun

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[kroh-muh-sohm]

Back

Chromosome

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One long, continuous thread of DNA that is tightly coiled around proteins and becomes visible during cell division.

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Example: This diagram shows a chromosome is a structure found inside the nucleus of a cell, made of tightly coiled DNA, and is duplicated before cell division.

Front

Chromatin Noun

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[kroh-muh-tin]

Back

Chromatin

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The loose, uncondensed form of DNA and its associated proteins that is found in the nucleus during interphase.

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Example: This diagram shows chromatin as the thread-like material packed inside the cell's nucleus, which contains the genetic instructions for the cell.

Front

Centromere Noun

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[sen-truh-meer]

Back

Centromere

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The specialized region of a condensed chromosome that holds two sister chromatids together during mitosis.

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Example: This diagram shows a replicated chromosome, where the centromere is the central point that holds the two identical sister chromatids together before cell division.

Front

Telomere Noun

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[tel-uh-meer]

Back

Telomere

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A protective cap made of repeating DNA sequences found at the ends of a chromosome to prevent gene loss.

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Example: This diagram shows that telomeres are the protective caps, highlighted in orange, located at the very ends of a chromosome's arms (chromatids).

Front

Prophase Noun

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[proh-fayz]

Back

Prophase

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The first phase of mitosis, where chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes and the nuclear envelope breaks down.

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Example: In prophase, the cell's duplicated chromosomes condense and become visible, while spindle fibers begin to form from the centrioles.

Front

Metaphase Noun

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[met-uh-fayz]

Back

Metaphase

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The second phase of mitosis, where spindle fibers align the chromosomes along the middle of the cell.

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