Adjacent Words

mitosis definitions

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WordNet (r) 3.0 (2005)

n
1: cell division in which the nucleus divides into nuclei containing the same number of chromosomes

Merriam Webster's

noun (plural mitoses) Etymology: New Latin, from Greek mitos thread Date: 1887 1. a process that takes place in the nucleus of a dividing cell, involves typically a series of steps consisting of prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase, and results in the formation of two new nuclei each having the same number of chromosomes as the parent nucleus — compare meiosis 2. cell division in which mitosis occurs • mitotic adjective • mitotically adverb

Britannica Concise

Cell division, or reproduction, in which a cell gives rise to two genetically identical daughter cells. Strictly applied, the term describes the duplication and distribution of chromosomes. Prior to mitosis, each chromosome is replicated, producing two strands (chromatids) attached at a centromere. During mitosis, the membrane around the cell's nucleus dissolves and the chromatids of each chromosome are separated and pulled to each end of the cell. As the nuclear membrane re-forms around each set of chromosomes, the cytoplasm of the parent cell begins to divide to form two daughter cells. Following mitosis, the cell membrane pinches in to separate the daughter cells. Mitosis is essential to life because it provides new cells for growth and for replacement of worn-out cells. It may take minutes or hours, depending on the kind of cells and species of organisms. It is influenced by time of day, temperature, and chemicals. See also centromere, meiosis.

Oxford Reference Dictionary

n. Biol. a type of cell division that results in two daughter cells each having the same number and kind of chromosomes as the parent nucleus (cf. MEIOSIS). Derivatives: mitotic adj. Etymology: mod.L f. Gk mitos thread

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

Karyokinesis Kar"y*o*ki*ne`sis, n. [NL., fr. Gr. ? a nut, kernel + ? to move.] (Biol.) The indirect division of cells in which, prior to division of the cell protoplasm, complicated changes take place in the nucleus, attended with movement of the nuclear fibrils; -- opposed to karyostenosis. The nucleus becomes enlarged and convoluted, and finally the threads are separated into two groups which ultimately become disconnected and constitute the daughter nuclei. Called also mitosis. See Cell development, under Cell.

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

Mitosis Mi*to"sis, n. [NL., fr. Gr. ? a thread.] (Biol.) See Karyokinesis.