phase of cell division
Noun: A distinct and observable period or step within the complex, continuous process of cell division, specifically referring to stages in mitosis or meiosis.
This is a technical biological term used to describe the sequential, morphologically distinct stages that constitute cell division. It is used to pinpoint where a cell is within the division cycle. * Scientists study each phase of cell division to understand how genetic material is accurately distributed. * Prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase are the main phases of cell division in mitosis. * The research focused on errors occurring during a specific phase of cell division.
- The term is often used with qualifiers to specify the type of division (mitotic phase of cell division, meiotic phase of cell division) or to discuss regulatory checkpoints that control progression from one phase to the next.
- In research contexts, one might refer to "inhibiting a phase of cell division" or "arresting the cell at a particular phase of cell division."
- Mitotic Phase / M Phase: The phase of the cell cycle where mitosis (nuclear division) occurs, encompassing prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.
- Stage of Cell Division: A near-synonymous phrase.
- Cell Cycle Stage: A broader term that includes phases of cell division (M phase) as well as interphase stages (G1, S, G2).
- Stage of mitosis/meiosis
- Mitotic/meiotic stage
- Division stage
- To enter a phase of cell division: To begin a specific stage like metaphase.
- To complete a phase of cell division: To finish a specific stage and transition to the next.
This term is almost exclusively used in formal, scientific contexts such as cell biology, genetics, oncology, and textbooks. It is not used in everyday conversation.
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a stage in meiosis or mitosis
