Chapter 2 Flashcards
prokaryote
Unicellular organism with a simple cell structure. Prokaryotes include eubacteria and archaea.
eukaryote
Organism with a complex cell structure including a nuclear envelope and membrane-bounded organelles. One of the three primary divisions of life, eukaryotes include unicellular and multicellular forms.
eubacteria
One of the three primary divisions of life. Eubacteria consist of unicellular organisms with prokaryotic cells and include most of the common bacteria.
archaea
One of the three primary divisions of life. Archaea consist of unicellular organisms with prokaryotic cells.
nucleus
Space in eukaryotic cells that is enclosed by the nuclear envelope and contains the chromosomes.
histone
Low-molecular-weight protein found in eukaryotes that complexes with DNA to form chromosomes.
chromatin
Material found in the eukaryotic nucleus; consists of DNA and proteins.
virus
Noncellular replicating agent consisting of nucleic acid surrounded by a protein coat; can replicate only within its host cell.
homologous pair of chromosomes
Two chromosomes that are alike in structure and size and that carry genetic information for the same set of hereditary characteristics. One chromosome of a homologous pair is inherited from the male parent and the other is inherited from the female parent.
diploid
Possessing two sets of chromosomes (two genomes).
haploid
Possessing a single set of chromosomes (one genome).
polyploid
Possession of more than two haploid sets of chromosomes.
telomere
stable end of a chromosome
origin of replication
Site where DNA synthesis is initiated.
sister chromatid
Two copies of a chromosome that are held together at the centromere. Each chromatid consists of a single DNA molecule.
cell cycle
Stages through which a cell passes from one cell division to the next.
checkpoint
A key transition point at which progression to the next stage in the cell cycle is regulated.
interphase
Period in the cell cycle between the cell divisions. In interphase, the cell grows, develops, and prepares for cell division.
M (mitotic) phase
Period of active cell division; includes mitosis (nuclear division) and cytokinesis (cytoplasmic division).
mitosis
Process by which the nucleus of a eukaryotic cell divides.
cytokinesis
process by which the cytoplasm of a cell divides
prophase
Stage of mitosis. In prophase, the chromosomes contract and become visible, the cytoskeleton breaks down, and the mitotic spindle begins to form.
prometaphase
Stage of mitosis. In prometaphase, the nuclear membrane breaks down and the spindle microtubules attach to the chromosomes.
metaphase
Stage of mitosis. In metaphase, chromosomes align in the center of the cell.
anaphase
Stage of mitosis in which chromatids separate and move toward the spindle poles.