Mitosis and Meiosis Flashcards
What is the nucleotide?
A nucleotide is a complex molecule composed of; a nitrogen base, a sugar molecule and a phosphate molecule.
What is the difference between mitosis and cytokinesis?
Mitosis is the division of the genetic material to produce two identical nuclei.
Cytokinesus is a process where a cell divides into two.
Define meiosis
The process that results in the formation of gametes with half the genetic material of the parents cell.
Define mitosis
The process of cell division to provide growth and repair in the body (results in genetically identical daughter cells).
Why do cells that are about to undergo mitosis have to double its amount of DNA?
A cell needs to double its amount of DNA in order for both daughter cells to receive identical sets of genetic material once cell division has occurred.
Why is it essential that the number of chromosomes is halved during meiosis?
The number of chromosomes needs to be halved to ensure that the haploid sperm and egg fuse during fertilisation the diploid zygote which forms/contains full set of chromosomes.
Define mutation
Mutation is a heritable change in the structure or amount of genetic material.
What is a mutagen? Give some examples of mutagens and how they act to cause mutations.
A mutagen is an environmental factor that can increase the frequency of a mutation. These can be radiation chemicals or ultraviolet light.
Define diploid
A nucleus that contains two complete sets of chromosomes.
Define haploid
A nucleus that contains one complete set of chromosomes (usually found in the gamete).
