mitosis

mitosis

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mi·to·sis    Audio Help   (mī-tō'sĭs)   

n.   pl. mi·to·ses (-sēz) Biology
  1. The process in cell division by which the nucleus divides, typically consisting of four stages, prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase, and normally resulting in two new nuclei, each of which contains a complete copy of the parental chromosomes. Also called karyokinesis.

  2. The entire process of cell division including division of the nucleus and the cytoplasm.


[Greek mitos, warp thread + -osis.]
mi·tot'ic (-tŏt'ĭk) adj., mi·tot'i·cal·ly adv.
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