Cell Division Flashcards
What are chromosomes?
Carry genes that control the characteristics of the body and carries a large number of genes
What are alleles?
Different form of genes that may produce different characteristics
In body cells chromosomes are found in?
Pairs
What is mitosis
A type of cell division that produces additional cells during growth or to produce replacement cells
What happens when a body cell divides by mitosis?
- copies of genetic material are made
- cell divides once to form two genetically identical body cells
Why do cells in reproductive organs divide?
To form gametes
What is meiosis?
A cell division which forms gametes
What happens when a cell divides by meiosis?
- copies of genetic information are made
- cell divides twice to form four gametes, each with a single set of chromosomes
What is differentiation?
Gametes join at fertilization to form a single body cell with new pairs of chromosomes, this cell repeatedly divides by mitosis to form many cells
As an organism develops these cells differentiate to form different kinds of cells
When do animals differentiate?
Most animals differentiate at an early stage of their life
When do plants differentiate?
Plants differentiate throughout their life
What is cell division in mature animals?
Cell division in mature animals is mainly restricted to repair and replacement
What are stem cells?
Cells that can be made to differentiate to form different kinds of cells
Where are stem cells found?
Stem cells can be collected from human embryos and adult bone marrow
How can stem cells be useful?
Stem cells may be able to help with conditions such as paralysis
