L2 - Cells and repro Flashcards
What are Cells?
Cells are the basic building blocks of living things/basic unit of all life. They are the smallest structural and functional unit of all organisms. Cells are typically microscopic and consist of cytoplasm and have nucleus enclosed in a membrane
Where is DNA found
DNA is found in the nucleus of cells. Specialist DNA is found in the mitochondria and chloroplasts.
What are eukaryotic cells?
Eukaryotic cells are complex and about 10 times larger than prokaryotic cells (small cells - mainly bacteria). Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus and other membrane covered organelles
What is DNA
DNA stands for Deoxyribonucleic acid, which is
a hereditary material in humans and almost all other organisms. It consists of genetic instructions used in the development and functioning of all known living organisms.
DNA controls how the body looks and functions, however the main role of DNA is to store genetic information which is passed on during reproduction
What is a nucleus?
A nucleus is a highly specialized organelle that serves as the information processing and administrative centre of the cell.
What are the functions of a nucleus?
A nucleus stores the cells hereditary material - also known as DNA. It also co-ordinates the cells activities which includes growth, protein, synthesis and reproduction
What is a gamete?
A gamete is two haploid cells that fuse with each other during fertilization
What does haploid mean?
Haploid means a cells or nucleus that only has one set of chromosomes (23 in a whole cell - they are singular)
What does Diploid mean?
Diploid means a cell or nucleus containing two complete sets of chromosomes
What is fertilization?
Fertilization is the action of fertilizing an egg, a female animal or plant, involving the fusion of male and female gametes to form a zygote
What is a zygote?
A zygote is a diploid cell resulting from the fusion of two haploid gametes
