M PHASE Meaning and
Definition
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M Phase, also known as the mitotic phase, is a crucial stage in the cell cycle that involves the division of a eukaryotic cell’s nucleus. It is one of the main stages of the cell cycle and is preceded by the interphase. The M Phase consists of two distinct events: mitosis and cytokinesis.
Mitosis is the process through which the cell's duplicated chromosomes are separated into two identical sets, each becoming the nucleus of a newly formed daughter cell. It occurs in several sequential stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. During prophase, the chromatin condenses, the nuclear membrane breaks down, and the centrioles move to opposite poles of the cell. In the metaphase, the spindle fibers align the chromosomes at the equatorial plate. Anaphase follows, during which the sister chromatids separate and move toward opposite poles. Finally, in telophase, two new nuclei are formed, and the chromosomes decondense.
Cytokinesis is the subsequent process where the newly forming cells divide the cytoplasm, organelles, and other cellular components to form two distinct daughter cells. This division process may occur differently in plant and animal cells. In animal cells, a constriction occurs in the middle of the cell, eventually leading to the division into two separate cells. In plant cells, a new cell wall develops between the two nuclei.
The M Phase is a highly regulated process, involving several proteins, checkpoints, and regulatory molecules to ensure accurate chromosome segregation and proper cell division. Any disruptions or abnormalities during the M Phase can have severe consequences, leading to genetic abnormalities, cell death, or potential disease.
Common Misspellings for M PHASE
- n phase
- k phase
- j phase
- m ohase
- m lhase
- m -hase
- m 0hase
- m pgase
- m pbase
- m pnase
- m pjase
- m puase
- m pyase
- m phzse
- m phsse
- m phwse
- m phqse
- m phaae
- m phaze
- m phaxe
Etymology of M PHASE
The term "M phase" originates from the field of biology and specifically refers to the mitotic phase of the cell cycle.
The etymology of the term can be traced back to the German word "Mitose", which was coined by German scientist Walther Flemming in 1882. Flemming used this term to describe the process of cell division, particularly the distribution of chromosomes during mitosis.
The "M" in "M phase" stands for "mitosis", which refers to the division of the cell nucleus into two identical sets of chromosomes. The M phase is a crucial stage in the cell cycle, occurring after the DNA replication phase (S phase) and before cytokinesis (cell division).
So, the term "M phase" is a shortened form of "mitosis phase" and is used to describe the specific stage of the cell cycle involving nuclear division.
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