Biology Terms Flashcards
Cell theory
Theory that all living things are made up of one or more cells, that cells are the basic unit of life, and that all cells come from pre-existing cells
Prokaryote
Cell that does not contain a nucleus or other membrane/bound organelles
Eukaryote
Cell that contains a nucleus and other organelles, each surrounded by a thin membrane
Organelle
Cell structure that performs a specific function for the cell
DNA
The material in the nucleus of a cell that contains of the cells genetic information
Asexual reproduction
Process of producing offspring from only one parent; production of offspring that are genetically identical to the parent
Sexual reproduction
Process of producing offspring by the fusion of two gametes; the production of offspring that have genetic information from each parent
Diffusion
A transport mechanism for moving chemicals into and out of the cell, from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration
Osmosis
The movement of fluid, usually water, across a membrane toward an area of high solute concentration
Interphase
Phase of the cell cycle during which the cell performs its normal functions and its genetic material is copied in preparation for cell division
Mitosis
Stage of cell cycle in which DNA in the nucleus is divided the first part of the cell cycle
Cytokinesis
Stage in the cell cycle when the cytoplasm divides to form two identical cells; the final part of cell division
Daughter cell
One of two genetically identical, new cells the result from the division of one parent
Prophase
First stage of mitosis, in which the chromosomes become visible and the nuclear membrane dissolves
Chromosomes
Structure in the cell nucleus made up of a portion of the cells DNA, condensed into a structure that is visible under a microscope
Chromatid
One of two identical strands of DNA that make up a chromosome