Cell division Flashcards
What is a chromosome?
a structure found inside a nucleus that are thin strands of DNA
What does the nucleus of a cell contain?
Chromosomes made of DNA
What do genes contain?
different genes contain the code to make different proteins and so control he developemt of different characteristics
In body cells where are chromosomes found?
in pairs with one chromosome coming from each parent
What changes do cells go through?
a series of changes involving growth and division called the cell cycle
What is mitosis?
the process by which a cell replicates its chromosomes and then segregates them, producing two identical nuclei in preparation for cell division
What does mitosis make new cells for?
growth and development
repairing damaged tissues
asexual reproduction
What are stem cells?
special cells produced by bone marrow (a spongy tissue found in the centre of some bones) that can turn into different types of blood cells
Where are stem cells found?
in human embryos and adult stem cells are found in some organs and tissues eg bone marrow
What are the uses for stem cells?
may be useful in treating conditions where cells are damaged or not working properly such as diabetes or paralysis
they can be used to replace the damaged cells
therapeutic cloning creating embryonic stem cells from an adult
