Cell Division Key Words 2

Question 1

Interphase

Answer 1

phase between cell divisions in which cells spend the majority of their time in. The cell is carrying out its major functions such as enzyme or hormone production, and preparing for cell division.

Question 2

Mitotic phase

Answer 2

period of cell division involving two stages (mitosis and cytokinesis)

Question 3

G0

Answer 3

The phase where the cell leaves the cell cycle either temporarily or permanently)

Question 4

Checkpoints

Answer 4

control mechanisms of the cell cycle. They include G1, G2 and Spindle assembly checkpoints

Question 5

Centromere

Answer 5

the region that joins two identical chromatids. Spindle fibres attach at the centromere during cell division.

Question 6

Centrioles

Answer 6

cylindrical bundles of proteins that help in the formation of the spindle.

Question 7

Homologous chromosomes

Answer 7

matching sets of chromosomes (one from each parent) that contain the same genes at the same loci. The genes may be different alleles.

Question 8

Bivalents

Answer 8

pairs of homologous chromosomes formed in prophase 1 of meiosis. This is where crossing over occurs.

Question 9

Variation

Answer 9

genetic differences in offspring due to meiosis. A result of crossing over, random assortment and random fertilisation.