Chapter 6 Vocabulary Flashcards
Anaphase
The third phase of mitosis in which spindle fibers shorten and pull sister chromatids to opposite poles of each cell.
Binary fission
Method of asexual reproduction in prokaryotes and some single-celled eukaryotes in which DNA replicates and the parent cell splits into two daughter cells.
Cell Cycle
A series of stages that a cell goes through during its lifetime, including growth, DNA replication, and cell division.
Cell Division*
Process in which a cell divides to form daughter cells.
Chromosome*
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.
Cytokinesis
Last event in cell division, when the cell membrane grows into the middle of the cell, the cytoplasm divides, and daughter cells form.
DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)*
Double-stranded nucleic acid that stores genetic information in its sequence of nitrogen bases.
DNA Replication*
Process occurring before cell division in which DNA is copied.
Interphase
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).
Metaphase
Second phase of mitosis when single fibers attach to centromeres of sister chromatids, which line up at the center of the cell.
Mitosis*
Division of the nucleus in a eukaryotic cell, which occurs in four phases: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.
Prophase
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.
Telophase
Final phase of mitosis in which chromosomes uncoil, spindle fibers break down, and new nuclear membranes form.
Asexual Reproduction*
The production of genetically identical offspring by a single parent through a method such as binary fission, fragmentation, or budding.
Diploid
Referring to the total number of chromosomes in a sexual reproducing species, which is twice the haploid number of chromosomes.
Egg
Gamete produced by a female parent.
Fertilization
The union of two gametes during sexual reproduction.
Gamete
Special reproductive cell with haploid number of chromosomes that is produced by meiosis during sexual reproduction.
Haploid
Referring to the number of different chromosomes in a sexual reproducing species or to the number of chromosomes in a gamete.
Homologous Chromosomes
Two members of a given pair of chromosomes, which have the same genes in the same locations.
Meiosis*
Special type of cell division in which a cell divides twice and produces four haploid daughter cells.
Sexual Reproduction*
Production of offspring by two parents through the production and fertilization of gametes.
Sperm
Gamete produced by a male parent.
Zygote
Cell with the diploid number of chromosomes that form when two gametes unite during fertilization.
Codon
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.
Genetic Code*
Code of nitrogen bases in DNA that contains the information for making proteins in cells.
Mutagen*
Any factor in the environment, such as radiation or a chemical, that causes mutations.
Mutation*
Random change in the nitrogen base sequence of DNA or RNA.
Protein Synthesis
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.
RNA (Ribonucleic Acid)
Single-stranded nucleic acid that transcribes and translates the genetic code in DNA to make proteins, among other functions.
Transcription
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.
Translation
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.
