Cell Cycle x Cell Division Vocab Flashcards
Prokaryote
An organism whose cells lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. Prokaryotes divide through a process called binary fission, a form of asexual reproduction.
Cell Division
The process by which a parent cell divides into two or more daughter cells. In eukaryotes, this typically involves mitosis (nuclear division) and cytokinesis (cytoplasmic division).
Eukaryote
An organism whose cells have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. Eukaryotic cells divide by a process that involves both mitosis and cytokinesis.
Cell
The basic unit of life. Cells undergo division as part of the cell cycle to grow, reproduce, and repair tissues.
Parent Cell
The original cell that undergoes division to produce daughter cells. It contains all the genetic material before division begins.
Daughter Cell
The resulting cells from a parent cell that has undergone division. These cells are genetically identical (in mitosis) or genetically varied (in meiosis).
Chromosome
A structure of tightly coiled DNA and proteins found in the nucleus (in eukaryotes) or in the cytoplasm (in prokaryotes). Chromosomes ensure the proper distribution of genetic material during cell division.
Binary Fission
A form of asexual reproduction in prokaryotic cells where the parent cell divides into two genetically identical daughter cells. This process is simpler than mitosis.
Mitosis
A process of nuclear division in eukaryotic cells that results in two genetically identical daughter cells, each with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell. It includes the stages of prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.
Cytokinesis
The final step of cell division where the cytoplasm and cell membrane divide, forming two separate daughter cells. This occurs after mitosis and ensures that both daughter cells receive organelles and necessary components.
Interphase
The phase of the cell cycle during which the cell is not dividing but is preparing for division. Interphase consists of three stages: G1 (cell growth), S (DNA replication), and G2 (final preparation for mitosis).
Mitotic Phase
The phase of the cell cycle when mitosis (nuclear division) and cytokinesis (cytoplasmic division) occur, resulting in the formation of two daughter cells.
Cancer
A disease characterized by uncontrolled cell division due to mutations in genes that regulate the cell cycle. Cancer cells can divide uncontrollably, often forming tumors and spreading to other parts of the body (metastasis).
Tumor
A mass of tissue formed by abnormal cell growth. Tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), with malignant tumors having the potential to spread to other areas of the body.
