Prophase
Prophase
Prophase (/ˈproʊˌfeɪz/), from the Greek words pro (before) and phase (stage), is the first stage of cell division in both mitosis and meiosis.
Pronunciation
Prophase is pronounced as "proh-fayz".
Etymology
The term "prophase" comes from the Greek words pro, meaning "before", and phase, meaning "stage". This is reflective of its role as the first stage in cell division.
Definition
In prophase, the chromosomes condense and become visible, the nuclear envelope breaks down, and the mitotic spindle begins to form.
Related Terms
- Mitosis: A type of cell division that results in two daughter cells each having the same number and kind of chromosomes as the parent nucleus.
- Meiosis: A type of cell division that results in four daughter cells each with half the number of chromosomes of the parent cell.
- Chromosome: A thread-like structure of nucleic acids and protein found in the nucleus of most living cells, carrying genetic information in the form of genes.
- Nuclear Envelope: The double lipid bilayer that encloses the genetic material in eukaryotic cells.
- Mitotic Spindle: The macromolecular machine that segregates chromosomes to two daughter cells during mitosis.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Prophase
- Wikipedia's article - Prophase
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