B2 Flashcards
Describe the process of DNA replication
DNA molecule unzips —> forms 2 strands
DNA bases on each strand are exposed
Free nucleotides in nucleus line up against strands - follows complementary base pairing
This forms DNA base pairs
Once complete there are 2 identical molecules of DNA
Define mitosis
A special type of nuclear division
What are the stages of mitosis?
Interphase
Prophase
Metaphase
Anaphase
Telophase
Cytokinesis
What happens in interphase?
Each chromosome replicates so it contains 2 identical chromatids
Interphase=Introduction
What happens in prophase?
Chromosomes become visible by shortening and thickening
Prophase=Present
What happens in metaphase?
Chromosomes line up along centre of parent cell - moved by spindle fibres
Metaphase=Middle
What happens in anaphase?
The 2 chromatids in each chromosome are pulled apart by spindle fibres to opposite poles of cell
Anaphase=Apart
What happens in telophase?
There are now two nuclei
Telophase=Two
What happens in cytokinesis?
Cell splits to produce 2 daughter cells, each containing the same chromosomes
Cytokinesis=Cut
What is a specialised cell
A type of cell that performs a unique and special function
What are 3 examples of specialised cells?
3 from:
Sperm cell
Fat cell
Red blood cell
Ciliated cells
Palisade cells
What is cell differentiation?
The process by which cells become specialized to perform specific functions in an organism
What is a multicellular organism?
An organism with more than one cell
What is a stem cell?
An undifferentiated cell
Divides by mitosis forming cells which can differentiate into any type of specialised cell
What does the body use stem cells for?
Development
Growth
Repair
What are embryonic stem cells
Stem cells derived from 5-7 day old blastocysts
They’re totipotent - capable of generating any cell in the body
What are adult stem cells
Found in various body tissues eg brain, bone marrow, skin, liver
Able to develop into some types of cell but not as many as embryonic
Once an animal is fully grown, many adult cells…
Remain in a non-dividing state for years
What are meristems (plant stem cells)
Regions of the plant that continue to grow throughout their lives - root tips + shoot tips
How do meristems look different to normal plant cells
Smaller
Have thin walls
Small vacuoles
No chloroplasts
Why do people object to using stem cells
Adult stem cells - people object for religious reasons + benefits may not be very great
Embryonic - embryo can’t consent + it’s a waste of a potential life
What is diffusion
The net movement of particles from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration
Diffusion happens in what states of matter
Liquid and gas because the particles are free to move
What are examples of molecules that can diffuse through a cell membrane
Glucose
Amino acids
Water
Oxygen