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Phases of Mitosis definitions Flashcards

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Phases of Mitosis definitions
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  • Mitosis

    A process of nuclear division in somatic cells resulting in two identical diploid cells.
  • Prophase

    The first phase where chromatin condenses into chromosomes, nucleolus disappears, and mitotic spindle forms.
  • Prometaphase

    The phase where the nuclear envelope breaks down and spindle fibers attach to kinetochores.
  • Metaphase

    The phase where chromosomes align at the cell's equator, known as the metaphase plate.
  • Anaphase

    The phase where sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles of the cell.
  • Telophase

    The final phase where chromosomes decondense, and nuclear envelopes reform around two nuclei.
  • Chromatin

    The material of which chromosomes are composed, consisting of protein, RNA, and DNA.
  • Chromosome

    A structure of nucleic acids and protein carrying genetic information in the form of genes.
  • Centromere

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

    An organelle that serves as the main microtubule organizing center and forms the mitotic spindle.
  • Mitotic Spindle

    A structure made of microtubules that segregates chromosomes during mitosis.
  • Kinetochore

    A protein structure on chromatids where the spindle fibers attach during cell division.
  • Nucleolus

    A structure within the nucleus responsible for ribosome synthesis, disappears during prophase.
  • Nuclear Envelope

    A double membrane that encloses the nucleus, breaks down in prometaphase and reforms in telophase.
  • Cytokinesis

    The process following mitosis where the cytoplasm divides, forming two separate daughter cells.