amitosis

/,æmi'tousis/

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Word: Amitosis

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: Amitosis is a process in biology where a cell divides directly without forming chromosomes. Instead of going through the usual stages of mitosis (where chromosomes are formed and lined up), the nucleus of the cell simply splits into two.

Usage Instructions:

• Amitosis is often discussed in scientific contexts, especially in biology and cell research.
• Use it when talking about cell division, particularly when comparing it to other types of cell division like mitosis or meiosis.

Example:

• "In some simple organisms, cell division occurs by amitosis, allowing for quick reproduction."

Advanced Usage:

• In advanced biological studies, amitosis may be considered less common than mitosis and meiosis, and it may have specific implications for how certain cells function or reproduce.

Word Variants:

• There are no direct variants of the word "amitosis," but related terms include:
  • Amitotic (adjective): Relating to or characterized by amitosis.
  • Example: "Amitotic cell division can be found in some protozoa."

Different Meanings:

• While "amitosis" primarily refers to the biological process of cell division, in a very different context, "mitosis" refers to the more complex and typical method of cell division that involves chromosome formation.

Synonyms:

• There are no direct synonyms for "amitosis," but you can contrast it with:
  • Mitosis (the typical method of cell division).
  • Binary fission (a simpler form of cell division seen in prokaryotes, which is somewhat similar).

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no idioms or phrasal verbs that directly relate to "amitosis," as it is a technical term specific to biology.

Academic

Noun

1. the direct method of cell division characterized by simple division of the nucleus without formation of chromosomes