amitosis

9.9

A simple way cells split when the nucleus separates without making chromosomes

noun
/ˌeɪmɪˈtoʊsɪs/

Specialized

: amitósis

During amitosis, the nucleus divides directly.

Examples

Unlike mitosis, amitosis does not involve the formation of chromosomes during cell division.
Amoebae reproduce by amitosis, bypassing the complex steps seen in mitosis.
Some scientists believe amitosis occurs mainly in certain single-celled organisms.
The process of amitosis is less common than mitosis.
Amoebae reproduce by amitosis, bypassing the complex steps seen in mitosis.
Some scientists believe amitosis occurs mainly in certain single-celled organisms.
Unlike mitosis, amitosis does not involve the formation of chromosomes during cell division.

Surface Forms

amitosis singular

amitoses plural

Morphology

amitosis = mitosis (semi-transparent) = a + mitosis

The word clearly contrasts with 'mitosis' through the privative prefix 'a-', but the exact technical sense is more specific than a simple everyday negation.

Etymology

Amitosis comes from the prefix a- meaning 'not' and mitosis, which comes from an old Greek word mitos meaning 'thread'. So amitosis is a simple, direct cell division that happens 'without' the thread-like chromosomes you see in mitosis.