Cells, DNA, Mitosis, Meiosis Flashcards
Name the organelles in an animal cell and describe their function.
Nucleus – Controls cell activities, contains DNA.
Additional organelles include: Nuclear membrane – Encloses nucleus, controls substance movement; Ribosomes – Protein synthesis; Rough ER – Modifies & transports proteins (has ribosomes); Smooth ER – Makes lipids, detoxifies; Golgi apparatus – Packages & transports proteins; Cytoplasm – Jelly-like fluid holding organelles; Cell membrane – Controls what enters/exits the cell.
What is the role of DNA?
DNA is the blueprint that controls the characteristics of an organism by coding for proteins.
Describe the structure of DNA.
DNA is a double helix polymer made up of nucleotide monomers. Each nucleotide contains a phosphate, a sugar, and a nitrogenous base.
Name the complementary base pairs in DNA.
- Adenine (A) pairs with Thymine (T)
- Cytosine (C) pairs with Guanine (G)
Write the complementary sequence for ATGC.
TACG
What is the difference between a gene and a chromosome?
- A gene is a segment of DNA that codes for a protein.
- A chromosome is a long strand of DNA containing many genes.
What is the difference between an amino acid and a protein?
- Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins.
- Proteins are chains of amino acids folded into a functional shape.
What is the difference between a somatic cell and a gamete?
- Somatic cell – Body cell, diploid (46 chromosomes in humans).
- Gamete – Sex cell (sperm or egg), haploid (23 chromosomes in humans).
What is mitosis?
A type of cell division that produces two genetically identical diploid daughter cells for growth and repair.
Name the phases of mitosis and what happens in each phase.
- Prophase – Chromosomes condense, nuclear membrane breaks down, spindle forms.
- Metaphase – Chromosomes align at the center of the cell.
- Anaphase – Chromatids are pulled apart to opposite sides.
- Telophase – Nuclear membranes reform, cell starts to split.
- Cytokinesis – The cytoplasm divides, forming two new cells.
What are the key parts of the cell involved in mitosis?
- Chromosome
- Chromatid
- Centromere
- Centriole
- Spindle fibers
- Nucleus
- Nuclear membrane
What is the role of spindle fibers, centrioles, and the centromere in mitosis?
- Spindle fibers – Pull chromosomes apart.
- Centrioles – Help organize spindle fibers.
- Centromere – Holds chromatids together.
What is the role of meiosis?
Produces gametes (sperm & egg) with half the chromosome number to allow for genetic diversity.
How many divisions occur in meiosis? How many daughter cells are produced?
Two divisions; four haploid daughter cells.
Are meiosis daughter cells identical?
No, they have genetic variation due to crossing over and independent assortment.
What is the role of sex chromosomes in determining sex?
The X and Y chromosomes determine biological sex. XX = Female, XY = Male.
Fill in the blank: A _______ is a segment of DNA that codes for a protein.
gene
Fill in the blank: A _______ is a long strand of DNA containing many genes.
chromosome
Fill in the blank: The _______ is the jelly-like fluid holding organelles.
cytoplasm
True or False: Proteins are made up of nucleotides.
False
Fill in the blank: The _______ controls what enters and exits the cell.
cell membrane
Fill in the blank: The two types of cells produced by mitosis are _______ cells.
diploid
Fill in the blank: The process that produces gametes is called _______.
meiosis
Name the nitrogenous bases in DNA.
- Adenine (A)
- Thymine (T)
- Cytosine (C)
- Guanine (G)
