Definitions Flashcards
Definition of Cell Cycle
The process by which the parents cell grows, duplicates itself, and divides to produce new daughter cells, usually two
Definition of Mitosis
The phase of the cell cycle during which the nucleus divides to produce an exact copy of itself
Definition of Interphase
The phase of the cell cycle during which is cell performs its normal cell functions, grows, and prepares for cell division
Definition of DNA
Deoxyribonucleic Acid– a long molecule that stores the cells genetic information, which directs all the cells functions
Definition of Cytokinesis
The phase of the cell cycle during which the cell contents divide and the cell membrane pinches into produce two different daughter cells; in plant cells, the cell wall also grows between the daughter cells to separate them
Definition of Asexual Reproduction
A form of reproduction that involves only one parent
Definition of Binary Fission
A form of asexual reproduction in which single cell organisms divide into two new individuals that are identical to each other and are clones of the parent cell
Definition of Budding
A form of asexual reproduction in which a parent produces a small bud or a miniaturized clone that becomes a separate individual
Definition of Parthenogenesis
A form of asexual reproduction by which unfertilized haploid eggs mature into new organisms
Definition of Sexual Reproduction
A form of reproduction that involves the union of two sex cells which come together to produce a new individual
Definition of Gametes
A sex cell; sex cells from females are called eggs or ova; sex cells for males are called sperm; gametes are haploid
Definition of Eggs
A sex cell from a female
Definition of Sperm
A sex cell from a male
Definition of Fertilization
The union of a sperm cell with an egg cell
Definition of Zygote
A single cell produced from the joining of two gametes
Definition of Embryo
An undeveloped multicellular life form during the earliest stage of its development
