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The eukaryotic cell cycle consists of four distinct phases: G 1 phase, S phase (synthesis), G 2 phase (collectively known as interphase) and M phase (mitosis and cytokinesis). M phase is itself composed of two tightly coupled processes: mitosis, in which the cell's nucleus divides, and cytokinesis, in which the cell's cytoplasm and cell membrane divides forming two daughter cells.
The spatial variation within a cell, i.e. the existence of differences in shape, structure, or function between different parts of the same cell. Almost all cell types exhibit some form of polarity, often along an invisible axis which defines opposing sides or poles where the variation is most extreme. Having internal polarity permits cells to ...
The presence of more than one different ploidy level, i.e. more than one number of sets of chromosomes, in different cells of the same cellular population. [12] mobile genetic element (MGE) Any genetic material that can move between different parts of a genome or be transferred from one species or replicon to another within a single generation.
The cell wall acts to protect the cell mechanically and chemically from its environment, and is an additional layer of protection to the cell membrane. Different types of cell have cell walls made up of different materials; plant cell walls are primarily made up of cellulose, fungi cell walls are made up of chitin and bacteria cell walls are ...
In eukaryotic cells, the part of the cell cycle during which the division of the nucleus takes place and replicated chromosomes are separated into two distinct nuclei. Mitosis is generally preceded by the S stage of interphase , when the cell's DNA is replicated, and either occurs simultaneously with or is followed by cytokinesis , when the ...
This glossary of biology terms is a list of definitions of fundamental terms and concepts used in biology, the study of life and of living organisms.It is intended as introductory material for novices; for more specific and technical definitions from sub-disciplines and related fields, see Glossary of cell biology, Glossary of genetics, Glossary of evolutionary biology, Glossary of ecology ...
The generally accepted parts of modern cell theory include: All known living things are made up of one or more cells [13] All living cells arise from pre-existing cells by division. The cell is the fundamental unit of structure and function in all living organisms. [14] The activity of an organism depends on the total activity of independent ...
Cells may also temporarily or permanently leave the cell cycle and enter G 0 phase to stop dividing. This can occur when cells become overcrowded ( density-dependent inhibition ) or when they differentiate to carry out specific functions for the organism, as is the case for human heart muscle cells and neurons .