Chapter 6 Vocabulary

Question 1

Anaphase

Answer 1

The third phase of mitosis in which spindle fibers shorten and pull sister chromatids to opposite poles of each cell.

Question 2

Binary fission

Answer 2

Method of asexual reproduction in prokaryotes and some single-celled eukaryotes in which DNA replicates and the parent cell splits into two daughter cells.

Question 3

Cell Cycle

Answer 3

A series of stages that a cell goes through during its lifetime, including growth, DNA replication, and cell division.

Question 4

Cell Division*

Answer 4

Process in which a cell divides to form daughter cells.

Question 5

Chromosome*

Answer 5

A structure present in cells during cell division in which the cell’s DNA and protein molecules coil into a definite shape visible with a light microscope.

Question 6

Cytokinesis

Answer 6

Last event in cell division, when the cell membrane grows into the middle of the cell, the cytoplasm divides, and daughter cells form.

Question 7

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)*

Answer 7

Double-stranded nucleic acid that stores genetic information in its sequence of nitrogen bases.

Question 8

DNA Replication*

Answer 8

Process occurring before cell division in which DNA is copied.

Question 9

Interphase

Answer 9

Major phase of the eukaryotic cell cycle that incorporates al phases of the cell except cell division and includes growth phase 1 (G1), synthesis phase (S), and growth phase 2 (G2).

Question 10

Metaphase

Answer 10

Second phase of mitosis when single fibers attach to centromeres of sister chromatids, which line up at the center of the cell.

Question 11

Mitosis*

Answer 11

Division of the nucleus in a eukaryotic cell, which occurs in four phases: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.

Question 12

Prophase

Answer 12

First phase of mitosis in which chromosomes form, the nuclear membrane breaks down, centrioles move to opposite poles of the cell (in an animal cell), and spindles form between centrioles.

Question 13

Telophase

Answer 13

Final phase of mitosis in which chromosomes uncoil, spindle fibers break down, and new nuclear membranes form.

Question 14

Asexual Reproduction*

Answer 14

The production of genetically identical offspring by a single parent through a method such as binary fission, fragmentation, or budding.

Question 15

Diploid

Answer 15

Referring to the total number of chromosomes in a sexual reproducing species, which is twice the haploid number of chromosomes.

Question 16

Egg

Answer 16

Gamete produced by a female parent.

Question 17

Fertilization

Answer 17

The union of two gametes during sexual reproduction.

Question 18

Gamete

Answer 18

Special reproductive cell with haploid number of chromosomes that is produced by meiosis during sexual reproduction.

Question 19

Haploid

Answer 19

Referring to the number of different chromosomes in a sexual reproducing species or to the number of chromosomes in a gamete.

Question 20

Homologous Chromosomes

Answer 20

Two members of a given pair of chromosomes, which have the same genes in the same locations.

Question 21

Meiosis*

Answer 21

Special type of cell division in which a cell divides twice and produces four haploid daughter cells.

Question 22

Sexual Reproduction*

Answer 22

Production of offspring by two parents through the production and fertilization of gametes.

Question 23

Sperm

Answer 23

Gamete produced by a male parent.

Question 24

Zygote

Answer 24

Cell with the diploid number of chromosomes that form when two gametes unite during fertilization.

Question 25

Codon

Answer 25

Group of three nitrogen bases in RNA or DNA that is the genetic code word for a single amino acid or for a start or stop signal.

Question 26

Genetic Code*

Answer 26

Code of nitrogen bases in DNA that contains the information for making proteins in cells.

Question 27

Mutagen*

Answer 27

Any factor in the environment, such as radiation or a chemical, that causes mutations.

Question 28

Mutation*

Answer 28

Random change in the nitrogen base sequence of DNA or RNA.

Question 29

Protein Synthesis

Answer 29

Process in which a protein is made, consisting of transcription of DNA to RNA in the nucleus and translation of RNA to a protein at a ribosome in the cytoplasm.

Question 30

RNA (Ribonucleic Acid)

Answer 30

Single-stranded nucleic acid that transcribes and translates the genetic code in DNA to make proteins, among other functions.

Question 31

Transcription

Answer 31

First of two steps of protein synthesis in which RNA makes a copy of the genetic code in DNA in the nucleus of a cell.

Question 32

Translation

Answer 32

Second of two steps of protein synthesis in which the genetic code in RNA is read and amino acids are joined together to form a protein at a ribosome in the cytoplasm.