Cell division and inheritance Flashcards
Where are chromosomes
found?
Inside body cells, inside the
nucleus. Chromosomes are
found in pairs.
What are chromosomes?
Coiled up pieces of DNA that contain the genetic information
Which cells divide by mitosis?
Body cells
Describe mitosis
Copies of the chromosomes
are made which line up.
Original and copies move to
opposite ends, cell divides.
When does mitosis occur?
During growth or to produce
replacement cells. Two
identical daughter cells form.
How many sets of
chromosomes do body cells
have?
Two (Called diploid cells)
How many sets of
chromosomes do sex cells
have?
One (Called haploid cells)
What is another term for sex
cells?
gametes
What is a gene?
A small section of DNA that
codes for a certain protein
What are alleles?
Forms of the same gene. One
allele is from mother, the other
from the father.
What is the main
difference between
animal and plant cells?
Most types of animal cells differentiate
(specialise/adapt to perform a certain
function) at an early stage. Many plant cells can differentiate throughout life.
What are the two
types of animal stem
cells?
- Embryonic stem cells – cells
present in embryos. They divide
rapidly during mitosis and
differentiate within days of
fertilisation. They can grow into any
type of specialised cell. - Adult stem cells found in bone
marrow. They can differentiate into
some cells to repair the body, e.g.
blood cells.
Define stem cell.
An undifferentiated cell that can differentiate.
What are plant stem cells?
Stem cells are located in a region
called the meristem which is found in
the tip of a root or shoot.
What are stem cells
used for?
To treat conditions such as paralysis,
diabetes or Parkinson’s.
You can clone your own stemcells
which is called therapeutic cloning.
