Chromosomes & Mitosis Flashcards
What is the role of chromosomes in cells?
Chromosomes contain genetic information in the form of DNA.
Where is genetic material located in most body cells?
In the nucleus.
What are chromosomes made of?
Coiled up lengths of DNA molecules.
What do chromosomes carry?
A large number of genes that control different characteristics.
How many copies of each chromosome do body cells normally have?
Two copies, one from the mother and one from the father.
What is the cell cycle?
A series of stages that body cells go through to divide and produce new cells.
What is mitosis?
The stage of the cell cycle when the cell divides.
What is the outcome of the cell cycle?
Two new cells identical to the original cell, with the same number of chromosomes.
What happens during the growth and DNA replication stage?
The cell grows, increases subcellular structures, and duplicates its DNA.
What shape do chromosomes take after DNA replication?
X-shaped chromosomes.
What occurs during mitosis?
Chromosomes line up at the center, are pulled apart, and membranes form around each set.
How can a student identify cells undergoing mitosis?
By observing the arrangement of chromosomes and cell division.
What does each chromosome carry and what does it control?
Genes and it controls the development of different characteristics.
How many pairs of cells are in each cell?
23
Why does the body use mitosis?
To grow, or replace damaged cells.
Name the stages of mitosis in order, with a brief description.
Interphase- not dividing, DNA spread in long strings.
Prophase- duplicating DNA, chromosomes gain arms and become an ‘X’.
MITOSIS
Metaphase- chromosomes line up in the centre, pulled apart.
Telophase- membrane forms creating nuclei.
Final- cytoplasm divides.
What is interphase?
When the cell is not dividing and the DNA is spread out in long strings.
What is the prophase?
The DNA duplicates. Each chromosome forms and ‘X’ shape due to gaining an ‘arm’.
What is the metaphase?
The chromosomes line up in the centre and are pulled apart. Each arm of the chromosome goes to opposite ends.
What is the telophase?
Membranes form around each new set of chromosomes making two new nuclei. The nucleus has divided.
What happens in the last stage?
The cytoplasm and cell membrane divide.
