Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of cell division: Amitosis is a process of direct cell division. It is characterized by the simple splitting of the nucleus without the complex stages (like chromosome formation, alignment, and separation) seen in mitosis or meiosis.

Usage

• Amitosis is a biological term used primarily in cell biology and genetics.
• It describes an atypical and relatively rare form of nuclear division in eukaryotic cells, often observed in certain protozoans, some mammalian tissues (like liver cells), and during embryonic development.
• The term is used to contrast with the more common and organized processes of mitosis and meiosis.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The damaged liver tissue regenerated through amitosis.
  • Some biologists study amitosis in ciliate protozoa to understand primitive cell division mechanisms.
  • Unlike mitosis, amitosis does not involve the formation of a spindle apparatus.

Advanced Usage

• "to undergo amitosis": describes a cell entering this specific division process.
  • The macronucleus of a paramecium can undergo amitosis.
• The adjective form is amitotic, used to describe processes or cells related to amitosis.
  • The researcher observed an amitotic division event.

Variants and Related Words

• Amitotic (adj): Pertaining to or characterized by amitosis.
  • An amitotic nuclear division.

Synonyms

• Direct cell division: A descriptive synonym emphasizing the lack of intermediate stages.
• Non-mitotic division: A term highlighting the contrast with mitosis.

Antonyms

• Mitosis: The common process of cell division involving chromosome condensation and segregation.
• Meiosis: The specialized cell division that reduces chromosome number, leading to gamete formation.

Noun

1. the direct method of cell division characterized by simple division of the nucleus without formation of chromosomes