mitosis
the usual method of cell division, characterized typically by the resolving of the chromatin of the nucleus into a threadlike form, which condenses into chromosomes, each of which separates longitudinally into two parts, one part of each chromosome being retained in each of two new cells resulting from the original cell.
Origin of mitosis
1Other words from mitosis
- mi·tot·ic [mahy-tot-ik], /maɪˈtɒt ɪk/, adjective
- mi·tot·i·cal·ly, adverb
- in·ter·mi·tot·ic, adjective
- Compare meiosis.
Words Nearby mitosis
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use mitosis in a sentence
In this way Klingemann created mitosis, meaning the moment when the embryo begins to form.
This NFT Painting Is a Work of Art - Issue 104: Harmony | Arthur I. Miller | August 18, 2021 | NautilusEach of these divides again by mitosis (the chromosomes splitting lengthwise), the half or haploid number remaining.
Taboo and Genetics | Melvin Moses Knight, Iva Lowther Peters, and Phyllis Mary BlanchardSince the atomic wars, the increased radioactivity of the earth undoubtedly stimulates mitosis of the malignant cells.
The Star Lord | Boyd EllanbyThis increase is therefore reached at an earlier period in the larger wound since the process of mitosis is more rapid here.
The Organism as a Whole | Jacques LoebAs noted, in fission the meganucleus divides by direct constriction; each micronucleus by a mode of mitosis.
Whatever be the number of chromosomes that enter a new nucleus as it forms, the same number issues from it in mitosis.
The Ethics of Medical Homicide and Mutilation | Austin O'Malley
British Dictionary definitions for mitosis
/ (maɪˈtəʊsɪs, mɪ-) /
a method of cell division, in which the nucleus divides into daughter nuclei, each containing the same number of chromosomes as the parent nucleus: Compare prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase, meiosis (def. 1)
Origin of mitosis
1Derived forms of mitosis
- mitotic (maɪˈtɒtɪk, mɪ-), adjective
- mitotically, adverb
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Scientific definitions for mitosis
[ mī-tō′sĭs ]
The process in cell division in eukaryotes in which the nucleus divides to produce two new nuclei, each having the same number and type of chromosomes as the original. Prior to mitosis, each chromosome is replicated to form two identical strands (called chromatids). As mitosis begins, the chromosomes line up along the center of the cell by attaching to the fibers of the cell spindle. The pairs of chromatids then separate, each strand of a pair moving to an opposite end of the cell. When a new membrane forms around each of the two groups of chromosomes, division of the nucleus is complete. The four main phases of mitosis are prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. Compare meiosis.
a closer look
Other words from mitosis
- mitotic adjective (mī-tŏt′ĭk)
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Cultural definitions for mitosis
[ (meye-toh-sis) ]
Division of a single cell into two identical “daughter” cells. Each daughter cell has an identical number of chromosomes as the parent cell. Mitosis begins when the DNA in the parent cell replicates itself; it ends with two cells having the same genes (see genetics). Most cells in the human body, and all single-celled organisms, reproduce through mitosis. (Compare meiosis.)
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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