Cell Cycle and Mitosis Overview

A long, thin thread of DNA that becomes visible during cell division, made up of two identical chromatids held together by a centromere.

One of the two identical copies of a DNA molecule that make up a chromosome.

The region where two chromatids are held together in a chromosome.

Globular protein molecules around which DNA is wrapped in chromosomes.

The basic unit of DNA packaging in chromosomes, consisting of DNA wrapped around eight histone molecules.

A specific sequence of bases in DNA that codes for a specific sequence of amino acids, resulting in a particular characteristic or feature.

The sequence of events that occur between one cell division and the next.

The first growth phase of the cell cycle. It includes activities like protein synthesis, organelles duplication, and cytoplasm expansion. The cell also decides during this phase whether to divide or not.

The phase where DNA replication occurs, resulting in two identical copies of DNA. This is important for ensuring that each daughter cell receives a complete set of genetic material.

The second growth phase of the cell cycle, where the cell grows further, checks for errors in the replicated DNA, and prepares for mitosis.

The longest phase of mitosis, where the chromosomes condense, become visible, and the spindle fibers start to form.

The phase where the chromosomes line up at the center of the cell, attached to the spindle fibers. This ensures that each daughter cell receives an equal share of chromosomes.

The shortest phase of mitosis, where the sister chromatids are pulled apart and moved to opposite poles of the cell.

The final phase of mitosis, where the nuclear membrane reforms, the chromosomes uncoil, and the cytoplasm divides to form two daughter cells.

The process of cell division that produces two identical daughter cells. It is essential for growth, development, and repair of tissues in multicellular organisms.

One of the two identical DNA molecules that make up a chromosome, joined to the other chromatid by the centromere.

A structure in the center of a chromosome that holds the sister chromatids together, serving as an attachment point for spindle fibers during cell division.

Microtubule structures that attach to the centromere of chromosomes during mitosis and pull sister chromatids apart, ensuring that each daughter cell receives a complete set of chromosomes.

The process of dividing the cytoplasm of a cell following nuclear division (mitosis) resulting in two daughter cells, each with its own nucleus and cytoplasm.

During cytokinesis in animal cells, a contractile ring composed of actin filaments forms at the equator of the cell. The ring contracts, pinching the cell membrane inwards until two daughter cells are formed.

During cytokinesis in plant cells, a new cell wall is formed between the two daughter cells through the fusion of Golgi-derived vesicles.

A microtubule-organizing center (MTOC) located near the nucleus of animal cells. It is responsible for building spindle fibres during cell division.

The process of cell division that results in two identical daughter cells, each containing the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell.

The process of cell division that results in four daughter cells, each containing half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell.