prophase
/prophase/
Definition
- 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.
Noun
-
the first stage of mitosis
-
the first stage of meiosis
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