| Term | Definition |
| Sister chromatids | two identical copies of a single chromosome connected by a centromere |
| Chromosomes | made of chromatin, combo of DNA and protein, |
| Supercoiling | DNA condenses as it twists and coils and wraps around proteins |
| Prophase | Nuclear membrane breaks down, chromosomes super coil, centrioles divide and move to opposite poles |
| Metaphase | Chromosomes line up along equilateral plate, spindle fibers form from each end of the cell and attach to each chromosome at the centromere |
| Anaphase | Sister chromatids are pulled apart as the spindle fibers shorten |
| Telophase | Nuclear membrane forms, spindle fibers break down, chromosomes begin uncoiling, cytokinesis begins |