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Mitotic: meaning, definitions and examples

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mitotic

 

[ məˈtɪtɪk ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

cell division

Mitotic refers to the process of mitosis, which is a type of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells from a single parent cell. It is a crucial part of the cell cycle and is essential for growth, development, and tissue repair in multicellular organisms. During mitosis, the chromosomes are replicated and then evenly divided while being distributed to the daughter cells. This process ensures that each daughter cell receives the same set of chromosomes, maintaining genetic continuity.

Synonyms

cell-dividing, division-related

Examples of usage

  • The mitotic phase of the cell cycle is critical for growth.
  • Errors in mitotic division can lead to cancer.
  • Cell biologists study mitotic processes to understand development.

Etymology

The term 'mitotic' derives from the Greek word 'mitos,' meaning 'thread,' which is a reference to the appearance of chromosomes during the cell division process. The word 'mitosis' was first used in the late 19th century, particularly in the fields of biology and medicine. It represents a crucial mechanism in eukaryotic cell division where chromosomes are separated to ensure equal distribution. The understanding of mitotic mechanisms profoundly advanced with the introduction of microscopic techniques and staining methods that allowed scientists to visualize chromosomes and their behavior in real-time. Over the years, the study of mitosis has revealed significant insights into the life cycle of cells, cancer pathology, and the principles of heredity, establishing the foundation for molecular biology and genetics.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,213, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.