Producing New Cells Flashcards
How many chromosomes are found in a human cell?
Human body cells contain 46 chromosomes in 23 pairs
What are cells called when they contain 2 matching sets of chromosomes?
Diploid cells
What is cell division?
Cell division is the process by which a parent cell divides into two or more daughter cells. Cell division usually occurs as part of a larger cell cycle. During cell division, the cell nucleus splits and the DNA is replicated
Why do cells need to divide?
Multicellular organisms divide to produce new cells for growth and repair of damaged cells
What is meant by chromosome complement?
It is important for cells to maintain the diploid chromosome complement so that they have exactly the same genetic information so that the daughter cells can carry out the same functions as the parent cells
What is Mitosis?
Mitosis is the process by which the nucleus divides into two daughter nuclei, each of which receives the same number of chromosomes that were present in the original nucleus
What is the first stage of Mitosis?
-Nucleus contains long uncoiled chromosomes which are difficult to see
-Chromosomes make copies of themselves and become visible as pairs of identical chromatids
What is the second stage of Mitosis?
-Chromosomes line up at the equator of the cell
-Spindle fibres attach to chromosomes
What is the third stage of Mitosis?
-Pairs of chromatids are pulled apart
-Chromosomes move to opposite poles
What is the fourth stage of Mitosis?
Nuclear membrane forms and cytoplasm divides creating 2 daughter cells
Why is it important for new cells produced by Mitosis to be identical to the original cell?
It is important so that no genetic information is lost
What is a diploid cell?
A diploid cell had two matching sets of chromosomes. Most cells in the human body are diploid
