Anaphase

1. Anaphase • This is the stage in mitosis where identical sets of DNA are pulled apart towards opposite poles of the cell. • This occurs after metaphase and before telophase. • This moves the genetic material as far apart as possible so it will remain separate while the cell divides. • The movement of the chromosomes occurs because attached proteins move along the spindle, dragging the DNA with them.

2. Chromosome • This is a long chain of genes/DNA. • Chromosomes only become visible during prophase, when they bundle up and can be dyed to form colored bodies. • They initially form in the nucleus, and then move along the spindle. • By bundling, DNA can no longer be accessed for transcription or replication, but it is much easier to move during mitosis.

3. Cytokinesis • This is when cells finish splitting apart after meiosis. • This occurs after telophaseand before interphase. • The cytoplasm gets squeezed into the two new cells as the equator pinches shut. • This is necessary to allow the cells to separate.

4. DNA Polymerase • This is an enzyme that copies DNA • This occurs during interphase • This occurs in the nucleus • By copying DNA, the cell will have two sets for when mitosis occurs

5. Equator • This is the middle of the cell, halfway between the two poles. • It becomes important during mitosis. • This is where chromosome pairs line up during metaphase before they are split apart in anaphase. • Spindle fibers run through the equator, from pole to pole.

6. Interphase • This is the phase during which a cell grows and matures. • This happens after mitosis creates a new set of cells, and before mitosis occurs again. • Interphase prepares the cell to divide. • During interphase, copies are made of most organelles, food is stored for mitosis, and the DNA/chromosomes are copied.

7. Metabolism • This is the process where an organism breaks down sugars to release energy. • This occurs throughout the life of a cell. • The conversion of sugars into fuel/energy typically happens at the mitochondria. • The presence of usable energy allows the cell to do work like building and maintaining itself and sensing and responding.

8. Metaphase • This is the stage in mitosis when chromosome pairs line up along the cell’s equator • This occurs after prophase and before anaphase • By lining up, it is easier to effectively divide the sets of DNA • Proteins that are attached to the chromosomes pull them into position by moving along the spindle

9. Mitosis • This is asexual cell reproduction. • This occurs at the end of interphase • Division allows a mature cell to divide its sets of chromosomes and DNA into a pair of new cells. • Mitosis has four phases.

10. Nuclear Envelope • This is another term for the nuclear membrane • It exists primarily during interphase • It is found in eukaryotic cells • The membrane/envelope contains the DNA in a single location for easy access and replication. • The membrane regulates what enters and leaves the nucleus, such as RNA.

11. Organelle • This is a structure in a Eukaryotic cell that has a specific function • There are found in the cytoplasm • By having specific organelles be responsible for specific tasks, regulation and function in larger cells is possible. • Most organelles have their own membranes that keep necessary materials concentrated in one place (limits diffusion.)

12. Prophase • This is the first stage in mitosis when the cell starts preparing for division. • This follows interphase and is before metaphase. • During this phase, the nucleus is disassembled, chromosomes condense, and the cytoskeleton is rearranged to form the spindle.

13. Spindle • This is the reorganized cytoskeleton • It forms during mitosis • It stretches as a set of chains that run from one pole of the cell to the other. • Since the spindle only runs in two directions, things moving along it can only move towards or away from a pole. • Small proteins are able to move along the spindle like a railway.

14. Telophase • This is the last stage in mitosis • It follows anaphase, but comes before cytokinesis • During this phase, the cell prepares to divide to form two complete new cells. • Enzymes build new nuclear membranes around the DNA at each pole, the spindle gets rearranged to form the cytoskeleton, and the chromosomes start unbundling. Also, the cell membranes start pinching off to separate the cells.