Cell Division: Key Terms and Processes

The process by which a parent cell divides to produce daughter cells.

The sequence of growth, DNA replication, and division that a cell undergoes.

The part of the cell cycle when a cell grows, carries out its functions, and copies its DNA before division.

The cell grows, performs normal functions, and makes proteins and organelles.

The cell replicates its DNA, creating duplicated chromosomes.

The cell continues growing and prepares for division, checking that DNA replication is complete.

The division of a cell's nucleus that usually produces two genetically identical nuclei.

The division of the cytoplasm, which separates a cell into daughter cells.

Chromosomes condense, the spindle begins to form, and the nuclear envelope breaks down.

Chromosomes line up across the middle of the cell.

Sister chromatids separate and move toward opposite poles of the cell.

Chromosomes arrive at opposite poles, loosen, and new nuclear envelopes form.

Identical copies of a replicated chromosome joined together at the centromere.

The region of a chromosome where sister chromatids are joined and spindle fibers attach.

A structure made of microtubules that moves and separates chromosomes during cell division.

A type of cell division that involves two rounds of division and produces four genetically distinct haploid cells.

A cell with one set of chromosomes, such as a human sperm or egg cell.

A cell with two sets of chromosomes, one set inherited from each parent.

The exchange of DNA between homologous chromosomes during meiosis, creating new combinations of genes.

Mitosis typically produces two genetically identical cells for growth and repair; meiosis produces four genetically varied haploid cells for sexual reproduction.