Cell Cycle

The series of events that take place in a cell leading to its dividision and duplication.

Interphase

The longest phase of the cell cycle in which the cell increases in size and makes a copy of its DNA.

Mitosis

The process by which a eukaryotic cell seperates the chromosomes in its nucleus into two identical sets, in two seperate nuclei.

Meiosis

The process by which organisms that produce sexually produce sex cells; egg & sperm, through the seperation of chromosomes in the nucleus of a cell into 4 chromatids and distributes those chromatids into 4 diffrent cells.

Cytokinesis

The process in which the cytoplasm of a single eukaryotic cell is divided to form two daughter cells following the telophase of Mitosis and Meiosis.

Replication

The process by which a cell makes a copy of the DNA found within the nucleus.

Chromosome

A double rod, X-shaped structure of DNA and protein formed when the DNA condenses and duplicates.

Chromatid

1/2 of the structure of a chomosome

Centromere

The center structure within a chromosome that joins the chromatids

Centriole

structures that form during the cell cycle responsible for the formation of spindle fibers.

Spindle Fiber

Fiber-like structure that pulls or seperates the chromosomes into the daughter cells during cell division.

Prophase

The 1st stage of Mitosis and Meiosisl;chromatin in the nucleus condenses to form chromosomes

Metaphase

The 2nd stage of Mitosis and Meiosis;chromosomes line-up along center of the cell & spindle fibers attach to the centromere of each chromosome.

Anaphase

The 3rd stage of Mitosis and Meiosis; the centromere splits and one chromatid is pulled into opposite ends of the cell.

Telophase

The 4th stafe of Mitosis and Meiosis;a new nucleus forms around the chromatids as they lose their shape and return to chromatin.

Diploid

The number of chromosomes inside the body cells of most eukaryotic organisms.

Haploid

The number of chromosomes inside the sex cells of most eukaryotic organisms.