6. Core Concepts - Genetic information is copied and passed on to daughter cells Flashcards
chromosome
made of DNA, which is wound around histone proteins
chromatin
in a cell that is not dividing
chromosomes are unwound single structures and are not visible
centromere
when do chromosomes become visable
At the beginning of cell division, the chromatin condenses. This means the chromatin coils so tightly that the chromosomes become visible.
chromatids
The chromatids in one chromosome are called sister chromatids and are genetically identical.
homologous pairs
chromosomes are in homologous pairs
do not have identicle DNA to each other
One of each pair has been inherited from the male parent the other of each pair has been inherited from the female parent
termed homologous because they are the same size and shape and carry the same genes in the same order at the same gene locus (position of the gene on the chromosome).
The alleles (different forms of a gene) can be the same or can be different.
diploid
Cells where the chromosomes are paired are termed diploid, these are body or somatic cells.
Diploid cells can divide by mitosis or meiosis.
haploid
Cells where the chromosomes are unpaired are termed haploid, these are gametes. Some organisms have body cells that are haploid.
Haploid cells can only divide by mitosis.
order of gene nucleus chromosome dna
alleles on homologous chromosomes
diagram of general cell cycle
interphase
G1, S and G2
S phase part of interphase
DNA replication takes place
only happens if the cell is going to proceed to mitosis or meiosis.
Cells that are carrying out their functions are in G1 phase for their lifespan.
mitosis
single parent cell divides to produce two genetically identical daughter cells
In interphase, the cell is:
synthesising ATP
making new organelles
carrying out protein synthesis
increasing in size
replicating DNA.
cytokinesis
Cytokinesis is the division of cytoplasm to form two new cells, each with a nucleus.
D
The graph below shows how the mass of DNA changes during the cell cycle.
Mitosis Prophase
the chromosomes condense and become visible as two sister chromatids joined by a centromere.
Centrioles migrate to the opposite sides of the cell (the poles).
The spindle begins to form in animal cells only, made by the centrioles.
The nuclear membrane disintegrates and the chromosomes scatter through the cell.
Mitosis Metaphase
the spindle completes, and the microtubules go from one side of the cell to the other (from pole to pole).
The chromosomes migrate to the equator of the cell and attach to the spindle fibres by the centromere.
Each chromosome is attached to one spindle fibre.
Mitosis Anaphase
the spindle fibres shorten pulling the chromatids to the poles of the cell by the centromeres.
The centromere divides.
Sister chromatids from one chromosome are pulled to opposite poles.
At this point the chromatids are called chromosomes again.
Mitosis Telophase
the chromosomes reach the poles of the cell and uncoil.
The spindle fibres break down.
New nuclear membranes form around each set of chromosomes.
Metaphase