prophase

/prophase/

Thân thiện

A student observes a cell in prophase under a microscope.

Definition

1. Noun (Biology/Cell Biology):
   • The first stage of mitosis: The initial phase of cell division (mitosis) where chromosomes condense, the nuclear envelope breaks down, and the mitotic spindle begins to form.
   • The first stage of meiosis: The initial, extended phase of meiosis I, characterized by chromosome condensation, homologous chromosome pairing (synapsis), crossing over, and the formation of the meiotic spindle.

Usage Examples

• In the context of mitosis:
  • During prophase, the chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes.
  • The breakdown of the nuclear membrane is a key event in prophase.
• In the context of meiosis:
  • Genetic recombination via crossing over occurs in prophase I of meiosis.
  • Prophase in meiosis is much more complex and longer than in mitosis.

Advanced Usage

• "Leptotene/zygotene/pachytene/diplotene/diakinesis": These are substages of meiotic prophase I, describing the progression of homologous chromosome pairing and recombination.
  • Crossing over is completed by the end of the pachytene substage of prophase I.
• Technical descriptions:
  • The study focused on the dynamics of spindle assembly during early prophase.

Variants and Related Words

• Prometaphase (n): The stage immediately following prophase in mitosis, where chromosomes attach to spindle fibers.
• Prophase-specific (adj): Referring to a process or structure unique to or occurring during prophase.
  • A prophase-specific phosphorylation event regulates condensins.

Synonyms

• Initial stage/phase (of division): A general term for the beginning phase, though less specific.
• Chromosome condensation stage: Descriptive of a primary event in prophase.

Related Terms (Not Phrasal Verbs)

• Enter prophase: To begin the prophase stage.
  • The cell will enter prophase after completing DNA replication.
• Complete prophase: To finish the events of the prophase stage.
  • Once the spindle is fully formed, the cell has completed prophase and moves to metaphase.

Học thuật

Noun

1. the first stage of mitosis
2. the first stage of meiosis