Term | Definition |
Cell cycle | process of cellular reproduction, occurring in three main stages-interphase (growth), mitosis (nuclear division), and cytokinesis (cytoplasm division). |
Deoxyribonucleic acid
(DNA) | a self-replicating material present in nearly all living organisms as the main constituent of chromosomes. It is the carrier of genetic information. |
DNA replication | is the process by which a double-stranded DNA molecule is copied to produce two identical DNA molecules. |
Mitosis | second main stage of the cell cycle during which the cell's replicated DNA divides and two genetically identical diploid daughter cells are produced. |
G1 stage/phase | is the first of four phases of the cell cycle that takes place in eukaryotic cell division. In this part of interphase, the cell synthesizes mRNA and proteins in preparation for subsequent steps leading to mitosis. |
G2 stage/phase | is the third and final subphase of Interphase in the cell cycle directly preceding mitosis. It follows the successful completion of S phase, during which the cell's DNA is replicated. |
S stage/phase | is the part of the cell cycle in which DNA is replicated, occurring between G1 phase and G2 phase. Precise and accurate DNA replication is necessary to prevent genetic abnormalities which often lead to cell death or disease. |
M stage/phase | |
Telophase | last stage of mitosis in which nucleoli reappear. Two new nuclear membranes begin to form, but the cell has not yet completely divided. |
Chromosome | DNA- containing structure that carries genetic material from one generation to another. |
Poles (of a cell) | |
Translation | process in which mRNA attaches to the ribosome and protein is assembled. |
Interphase | A period between two mitotic or meiotic divisions during which the cell grows, copies its DNA, and synthesizes proteins |
Transcription | the organic process whereby the DNA sequence in a gene is copied into mRNA |
Daughter cell | two cells formed when a cell undergoes cell division. Daughter cells are genetically identical to the parent cell because they contain the same number and type of chromosomes. |
Prophase | first stage of mitosis, during which the cell's chromatin condenses into chromosomes. |
Metaphase | second stage of mitosis in which motor proteins pull sister chromatids to the cell's equator. |
Anaphase | third stage of mitosis in which sister chromatids are pulled apart and microtubules, along with motor proteins, move the chromosomes to opposite poles of the cell. |