Cell division: Mitosis and Meiosis Flashcards
What is the cell cycle
The series of events that takes place in a cell that results in DNA replication and cell division
What are the two main stages in the cell cycle and what occurs in each
The first stage is interphase during which the cell grows and replicates its DNA. Thet second phase is mitotic phase/ M phase/ Division phase during which the cell divides and transfers one copy of its DNA to two identical daughter cells
What is the role of mitosis
New cells are formed in order to ensure that the organism grows and increases in size and also to ensure that worn out or damaged cells are repaired and replaced.
Mitosis results in asexual reproduction in some simple plants and animals
What is interphase
The period between two consecutive cell divisions
How do the chromosomes look during interphase
The chromosones are visible as the chromatin network
Interphase is the _____ phase of the cell cycle
Longest
What perecentage of the cell cycle are is used for interphase and mitosis
Interphase accounts for approximately 90% of the cell cycle and for mitosis 10%
What are the 3 phases within interphase
G1, G2 and S phase
Explain what occurs in G1 phase
It occurs after the two daughter cells have split and cells have only one copy of their DNA.
Cells in this stage synthesise proteins and increase in size.
Cells can remain in this stage for a long time.
Explain what occurs in S phase
It is the stage during which DNA replication occurs.
The cell makes an identical copy of each of its chromosomes.
Chrromosomes are found inside the nucleus of the cell and consist of long strands of DNA that contain the cell’s genetic information
Explain what happens in G2 phase
Occurs after the DNA has been replicated in S phase.
Cells may continue to grow and undergo normal cellular functions.
Towards the end of this phase the cell may start to replicate its organelles in preparation for mitosis.
Explain what happens in G0 phase
Some cells no longer need to divide and exit the cell cycle (they are said to be in G0) and may do this permanently such as neurons, or they may do so temporarily. G0 is not a stage of the cell cycle
What are chromosomes
Thread like structures found in the cell nucleus of virtually all cells
What do chromosomes do
They transfer hereditary characteristics from generation to generation
What do chromosomes appear as when the cell is not dividing
It appears as a mass of threads (the chromatin network)
What do chromosomes look like when the cell is dividing
The chromatin network condenses, the threads become shorter and thicker and visible as single stranded chromosomes
What do chromosomes consist of
Thye consist of the nucleic acid, DNA that is wrapped helically around proteins known as histones
What are the various DNA segments along the length of each chromosome known as and what do they do
They are genes and each one controls a specific hereditary characteristic
True or Flase:
After a cell divides all genetic material in the nucleus (DNA) has to be duplicated.
False.
Before a cell divides all genetic material in the nucleus has to be duplicated.
What is replication
The process during which the DNA molecule makes an identical replica of itself
Why is replication necessary
To ensure that both daughter cells formed during mitosis have exactly the sam genetic information as in the original mother cell
After replication what happens to the chromosome
The single stranded chromosome (DNA and histones) now consists of two identical chromatids. The two chromatids of the new double stranded chromosomes are joined together by a centromere
What are the two stages of mitosis
Karyokinesis: division of the nucleus and chromosomes
Cytokinesis: Division of the cytoplasm, organelles and cell membrane.
What are the four phases that occur during the process of mitosis
Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase
Explain what occurs during prophase
The chromatin network condenses, the threads become shorter and thicker and visible as chromosomes.
Chromosomes are double stranded because they were replicated during interphase.
Each chromosome has two identical chromatids that are joined by a centromere.
Nuclear membrane and nucleolus disappear.
The centrioles separate and move to opposite poles of the cell.
Spindle fibres (protoplasmic threads) form between the two centrioles to form the spindles
Explain what occurs during metaphase
The chromosomes move to the equator and arrange themselves in a single row on the equator of the cell.
Spindle fibres attach to the centromere
Explain what occurs during anaphase
Spindle fibres shorten.
The centromere of each chromosome divides into two
The two chromatids separate from each other and move to opposite poles.
The chromatids are now known as daughter chromosomes.
Centromeres are positioned towards the poles.
Cytokinesis (division of the cytoplasm) begins
Explain what occurs during telophase
The daughter chromosomes arrange themselves at the pole.
Spindle fibres disappear.
Nuclear membrane forms around the daughter chromosomes.
Nucleolus forms in each nucleus.
Karyokinesis is complete and cytokinesis occurs ( cytoplasm divides)
In animal cells invagination occurs in the cytoplasm at the equator.
In plant cells a cell plate/ transverse wall forms in the cytoplasm at the equator
Cytokinesis is now complete and two identical daughter cells are formed.
Both new nuclei (daughter nuclei) contain the same number of chromosomes as the original mother nucleus.
Give the definition for mitosis
The division of somatic (body) cells. Mitosis produces two daughter cells from the mother cell with exactly the same number of chromosomes
Give the definition for meiosis
Formation of gametes (sex cells) in animals or spores in plants. The daughter cells formed from meiosis have only one set of chromosomes (n) and are not identical to each other or to the original mother cell.
Give the definition for DNA
Deoxyribonucleic acid is an organic chemical that contains genetic information and instructions for protein synthesis
Give the definition for genes
a DNA segment of a chromosome that determines a particular hereditary characteristic
Give the definition for chromosomes
an organised package of DNA found in the nucleus of the cell
Give the definition for chromatids
condensed strand of DNA, a replicated chromosome has two chromatids - thus two identical copies of DNA for cell division
Give the definition of a telomere
The caps at the end of each strand of DNA that protect our chromosomes.
Give the definition of a centromere
The specialised DNA sequence of a chromosome that links a pair of sister chromatids