mitosis

mitosis definition - medical

mi·to·sis (mī-tōˈsĭs)

noun pl. mi·to·ses (-sēz)
  1. The process in cell division by which the nucleus divides, typically in four stages (prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase) resulting in two new nuclei, each of which has exactly the same chromosome and DNA content as the original cell. Also called indirect nuclear division, karyokinesis, mitotic division.
  2. The entire process of cell division including division of the nucleus and the cytoplasm.

Related Forms:

  • mi·totˈic (-tŏtˈĭk) adjective

Related Forms:

  • mi·totˈi·cal·ly adverb

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mitosis

The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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