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Biology CH. 5
The Cell Cycle Vocab
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Cell Cycle | Pattern of growth, DNA replication, and cell division that occurs in a eukaryotic cell. |
| Mitosis | Process by which a cell divides its nucleus and contents. |
| Cytokinesis | Process by which the cell cytoplasm divides. |
| Chromosome | Long, continuous thread of DNA that consists of numerous genes and regulatory information. |
| Chromatid | One half of a duplicated chromosome. |
| Prophase | First phase of mitosis when chromatin condenses, the nuclear envelope breaks down, the nucleolus disappears, and the centrosomes and centrioles migrate to opposite sides of the cell. |
| Metaphase | Second phase of mitosis when spindle fibers align the chromosomes along the cell equator. |
| Anaphase | Third phase of mitosis during which chromatids separate and are pulled to opposite sides of the cell. |
| Telophase | Last phase of mitosis when a complete set of identical chromosomes is positioned at each pole of the cell, the nuclear membranes start to form, the chromosomes begin to uncoil and the spindle fibers disassemble. |
| Cancer | Common name for a class of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell division. |
| Benign | Having no dangerous effect on health, especially referring to an abnormal growth of cells that are not cancerous. |
| Malignant | Cancerous tumor in which cells break away and spread to other parts of the body, causing harm to the organism's health. |
| Carcinogen | Substance that produces or promotes the development of cancer. |
| Stem Cell | Cell that can divide for long periods of time while remaining undifferentiated. |