Mitosis and Meiosis Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is binary fission?

The process of DNA replication

A type of cell division in eukaryotes

A means of asexual reproduction where one parent divides into two identical individuals (correct)

The fusion of two gametes

What is mitosis?

The division of a single nucleus into two genetically identical nuclei.

What is a chromosome?

A threadlike, gene-carrying structure found in the nucleus of a eukaryotic cell.

Define chromatin.

The combination of DNA and proteins that constitutes eukaryotic chromosomes. Signup and view all the answers

What are sister chromatids?

Two identical parts of a duplicated chromosome in a eukaryotic cell. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the centromere?

The region where two sister chromatids are joined. Signup and view all the answers

What are spindle fibers?

Protein structures that divide genetic material in cells. Signup and view all the answers

What is a centriole?

A structure in an animal cell composed of microtubule triplets involved in cell division. Signup and view all the answers

Define interphase.

The period in the cell cycle when the cell is not dividing. Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during prophase?

The chromatin condenses to form sister chromatids and the mitotic spindle begins to form. Signup and view all the answers

What happens during metaphase?

All duplicated chromosomes line up at the equidistant plane of the mitotic spindle. Signup and view all the answers

Describe anaphase.

The stage where sister chromatids separate and move to opposite poles. Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during telophase?

Daughter nuclei form at the poles of a cell. Signup and view all the answers

What is cytokinesis?

The division of the cytoplasm to form two separate daughter cells. Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes the cell cycle?

An ordered sequence of events from the formation of a cell until its division. Signup and view all the answers

What happens during the G1 phase?

The cell grows in size and synthesizes mRNA and proteins. Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during the S phase?

DNA is replicated. Signup and view all the answers

Define the G2 phase.

The second growth period following DNA replication. Signup and view all the answers

What is the M phase?

The phase where mitosis and cytokinesis occur to divide the mother cell. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Mitosis and Meiosis Overview

Binary fission is a method of asexual reproduction for prokaryotes, resulting in two genetically identical organisms, no nucleus involved.
Mitosis involves the division of a single nucleus into two identical nuclei, integral to the cell cycle's mitotic phase (M).

Key Cellular Structures

Chromosomes are threadlike gene carriers in eukaryotic nuclei, most visible during mitosis and meiosis; composed of chromatin (DNA and protein).
Chromatin refers to the diffuse form of DNA and proteins present when a cell is not dividing.
Sister chromatids are identical parts of a duplicated chromosome, linked at the centromere prior to mitosis.
The centromere is where sister chromatids are joined, appearing as a narrow waist, critical for spindle microtubule attachment during cell division.

Spindle Apparatus

Spindle fibers are crucial for dividing genetic material, forming during mitosis and meiosis to ensure equal chromosome distribution to daughter cells.
Centrioles are animal cell structures made of microtubule triplets arranged in a 9 + 0 pattern, playing a role in cell division.

The Cell Cycle Phases

Interphase is the longest phase of the cell cycle where the cell is not dividing, encompassing growth and preparation for mitosis.
G1 phase (Growth 1) entails cell growth and mRNA/protein synthesis for the next phases.
S phase (Synthesis) involves DNA replication, ensuring accuracy to prevent genetic abnormalities.
G2 phase is the second growth phase post-DNA replication, during which the cell prepares spindle materials.

Stages of Mitosis

Prophase marks the beginning of mitosis; chromatin condenses, sister chromatids become visible, and spindle formation starts while the nucleus remains intact.
Metaphase involves the alignment of duplicated chromosomes at an equidistant plane across the spindle.
Anaphase starts with the separation of sister chromatids, concluding when daughter chromosomes reach the poles.
Telophase is the final mitosis stage, forming daughter nuclei at each pole and usually occurring with cytokinesis.
Cytokinesis divides the cytoplasm, creating two distinct daughter cells, occurring alongside telophase.

The Complete Cell Cycle

The cell cycle includes interphase and the mitotic phase, marking the period from cell formation to division into daughter cells (G1, S, G2, M, and cytokinesis).

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Description

Test your knowledge on cell division processes with these flashcards covering key concepts of mitosis and meiosis. Understand terms like binary fission, mitosis, and more. Perfect for students studying biology and cell biology.