Cells, Growth and Division

Anaphase

The third phase of mitosis, where chromosomes separate, and move to opposite poles. Anaphase. Anaphase is when the chromosomes are pulled apart to opposite ends of the cell.

Apoptosis

The programmed death of a cell. Apoptosis. It is a natural process where cells are instructed to die, helping the body remove unwanted or damaged cells.

Asexual reproduction

The process where a single parent reproduces by itself, its offspring are identical asexual reproduction. Asexual reproduction is when an organism creates a copy of itself without needing a mate.

Cancer

A disease marked by uncontrolled cell division. Cancer. It is when cells in the body grow and divide uncontrollably, forming tumors and potentially spreading to other parts of the body.

Cell cycle

The life cycle of a cell. Cell cycle. The cell cycle is the process a cell goes through to grow and divide into two new cells.

Centriole

Cell organelles made of microtubules. Centriole. A centriole is a small structure in the cell that helps organize microtubules during cell division.

Centromere

The region of a chromosome where chromatids attach during mitosis. Centromere. The centromere is the part of a chromosome that links sister chromatids, helping them separate properly during cell division.

Chromatid

One half of a duplicated chromosome chromatid. A chromatid is one copy of a chromosome that is visible during cell division.

Chromatin

Coiled DNA strands found in chromosomes. Chromatin. Chromatin is the material that makes up chromosomes, consisting of DNA and proteins, which helps package the DNA into a compact, more manageable shape.

Chromosome

A structure made of DNA that contains genetic material. Chromosome. In simple terms, a chromosome is like a package that holds genes, which carry instructions for building and maintaining an organism.

Cyclin

One of the proteins that regulates the cell cycle. Cyclin. Cyclin is a protein that helps control the timing of cell division.

Cytokinesis

The division of the cytoplasm during cell division. Cytokinesis. It's when a cell splits its contents into two new cells after dividing its nucleus.

Interphase

The stage of the cell cycle before cell division occurs interphase. Interphase is the phase where a cell grows, duplicates its DNA, and prepares for division.

Metaphase

The second stage of mitosis, where chromosomes line up at the center of the cell, is metaphase. Metaphase is when the chromosomes align in the middle of the cell to get ready for separation.

Mitosis

The stage of the cell cycle during which the nucleus divides is mitosis. Mitosis is the process where a single cell divides to produce two identical daughter cells.

Organ

A group of tissues that work together to perform a function, like the heart, liver or stomach. organ. An organ is a part of the body that performs a specific job, like pumping blood or digesting food.

Organ system

A group of organs that work together to perform a specific function, like the digestive system organ system. In Science, an organ system is a team of organs that collaborates to carry out important tasks for the body to function properly.

Prophase

The first phase of mitosis where chromatin twists into visible chromosomes. Prophase. Prophase is the stage in cell division when the DNA condenses into visible chromosomes, and the mitotic spindle begins to form.

Spindle

Fan-like structures that separate chromosomes during mitosis. Spindle. The spindle is a structure that helps divide chromosomes equally into two cells during cell division.

Stem cell

A cell that can produce different types of cells. Stem cell. Stem cells are special cells in the body that can develop into many different cell types and help repair tissues.

Telophase

The final stage of mitosis telophase. Telophase is when the cell finishes dividing its contents and two new nuclei form, each with a complete set of chromosomes.

Tissue

A group of similar cells working together to perform the same function. Tissue. Tissue is a collection of cells that come together to perform a specific job in the body.