What does mitotic mean?
Mitotic is an adjective meaning connected with mitosis, the process by which a cell divides into two genetically identical daughter cells. The term is especially associated with the phase of the cell cycle in which duplicated chromosomes condense, align, and separate before the cell divides. Researchers use the word when studying cell growth, development, repair, and cancer, because uncontrolled mitotic activity is a major feature of many tumors. The related noun mitosis names the division process itself, while the adverb mitotically describes an action performed during this stage. Although “mitotic” is technical, it is widely understood in scientific and medical contexts. It should not be confused with “meiotic,” which refers to the different form of cell division that produces reproductive cells such as sperm and eggs.
adjectiveRelating to or involving mitosis, the type of cell division in which a parent cell divides to produce two genetically identical daughter cells. It also refers to the stage of the cell cycle during which chromosomes condense and are separated.
- Relating to mitosis or to the phase of the cell cycle in which chromosomes are separated and the cell divides.
"The drug prevented mitotic progression in the cancer cells."
"Scientists observed abnormal mitotic activity in the treated tissue."
"The inhibitor arrests the cell cycle at a point before mitotic division."
A mitotic cell turns one cell into two, but the chromosomes are first arranged like a tiny spindle so each daughter cell receives an exact copy.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of mitotic
The word is derived from mitosis, which comes from Greek mitos, meaning “thread,” combined with the suffix -osis. The name refers to the threadlike appearance of chromosomes during cell division. The adjective mitotic was formed in English by adding -ic to mitosis and came to mean “relating to mitosis.” Related terms include mitogen and mitogenic, which share the Greek root but concern the stimulation of cell division.
Related word forms
How mitotic is actually used
A technical term used chiefly in biology, medicine, and related sciences. In cancer biology, it often describes interventions that target cell division.
Easily confused with mitotic
Mitotic describes cell division that produces two genetically identical daughter cells, whereas meiotic describes the specialized division that produces gametes with half the usual chromosome number.