Mitotic Meaning and Definition
Mitotic
Pronunciation
/maɪˈtɒtɪk/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A process of cell division that results in the production of two daughter cells that are genetically identical to the parent cell, occurring in somatic cells of multicellular organisms.
Examples
- The cells were in the mitotic phase of the cell cycle.
- Mitosis is essential for the growth and development of living organisms.
Synonyms
- Cell division
- Cell reproduction
Antonyms
- Meiosis
- Apoptosis
Additional Information
Mitosis is a critical process that ensures the correct number of chromosomes is maintained in daughter cells. It is crucial for the growth, development, and maintenance of living organisms. Mitotic errors can lead to genetic disorders, cancer, and other diseases.
Etymology
The word “mitotic” comes from the Greek word “mitos”, meaning “thread” or “string”, referring to the elongation of the chromosomes during mitosis.
Usage Notes
In scientific and medical contexts, “mitotic” is often used to describe the process of cell division, while in everyday language, it may refer to the process of cell growth and development.
Cultural References
Mitosis is a fundamental concept in biology and has been featured in various films, such as “Inside the Cell” and “The Cell”.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “Divide and conquer” – This idiom refers to the process of mitosis, where a cell divides to produce two daughter cells.
Related Words or Phrases
- Meiosis
- Oogenesis
- Somatic cell
Collocations
- “Mitotic cycle”
- “Mitotic phase”
Frequency of Use
Mitotic is a technical term used mainly in scientific and medical contexts, making it a relatively rare word in everyday language.
Common Misspellings
- Gerbera