Chapter 6: Chromosomes And Cell Division Flashcards
Telomere
A section of non-coding DNA that serves as a protective cap and is located at each tip of every chromosome
Chromatin
A linear DNA strand bound to and wrapped tightly around proteins called histones
Histones
Which keep the DNA from getting tangled and enable it to be tightly and efficiently packed in an orderly manner inside the nucleus
Binary Fission
Means division in two. Genetic information is carried by a single chromosome that is attached at one site to the cell membrane
Replication
The method by which a cell creates an exact duplicate of each chromosome
Parent Cell
The original cell
Daughter Cells
The parent cell is divided into two new cells which are completely identical
Cell Cycle
The alternation of activities between processes related to growth and processes related to cell division
Somatic Cells
Are the cells forming the body of the organism
Gametes
The sex cells. Sperm and egg cells that give rise to the rest of the cells
Interphase
Where the cell grows and prepares to divide
Mitotic Phase
During which first the nucleus and genetic material within the cell divide and then the rest of the cellular contents divide
First Step of Interphase: Gap 1
A cell may grow and develop as well as performing its various cellular functions. Most cells spend most of their time in Gap 1.
Second Step of Interphase: DNA Synthesis
The cell begins to prepare for cell division. First, by creating an exact duplicate of each chromosome by replication. After replication each chromosome has a pair of DNA held together near the center
Third Step of Interphase: Gap 2
Usually characterized by significant growth, as well as high rates of protein synthesis in preparation for division
Gap 1 vs Gap 2
Gap 2 is different because genetic material has now been duplicated
Mitosis
A process in which the parent cells nucleus, including its chromosomes divides.
Cytokinesis
The cytoplasm is divided into two daughter cells which have a complete set of the parents cells DNA and other cellular structures
Checkpoints
Critical points in the cell cycle at which progress is blocked until specific signals trigger continuation of the process
Growth Factors
Provide feedback about the cells environment and can signal that division is appropriate
First Checkpoint: Assessing DNA Damage and Cell Growth
Occurs at the end of Gap 1 when the cell decides if it will proceed to the DNA synthesis phase or delay cell division
Checkpoint 2: Assessing DNA Synthesis
Is a mitosis readiness assessment that indicates that if no DNA damage is detected and if it passes it initiates the process of mitosis
Checkpoint 3: Assessing Anaphase Readiness during Mitosis
Assesses whether the chromosomes have aligned properly at the metaphase plate and whether there is appropriate pull on them
First Step of Chromosome Replication: Unwinding and Separation
The DNA molecule unwinds and separates into two strands.
Second Step of Chromosome Replication: Reconstruction and Elongation
Each of the single strands becomes a double strand as the appropriate complementary base of a nucleotide pairs with the exposed base