Producing New Cells Flashcards
What is meant by the term chromosome complement?
It is the number of chromosomes found in the cells of an organism
What are chromosomes?
Thread-like structures, found in the cell nucleus, which carry genetic information
What is the term to describe a cell containing two sets of chromosomes?
Diploid
What is mitosis?
It is the division of the nucleus that produces two genetically identical, diploid daughter cells
What is a replicated copy of a chromosome?
Chromatid
Where are the two identical chromatids held together on a chromosome?
Centromere
What is the equator of the cell?
It is where chromosomes line up during mitosis
What are spindle fibres?
Protein thread, produced during mitosis to pull chromatids apart
What is the method of growing cells in an artificial environment?
Cell culture
What is the term called for a solid or liquid nutrient jelly or broth used to culture cells?
Growth medium
What are aseptic techniques?
Laboratory procedures designed to maintain a sterile environment and prevent contamination of cell cultures
What is a fermenter?
Culture vessels, used in industry to grow cells on a large scale
What are some conditions required to grow cells in cultures?
~a suitable growth medium
~a supply of nutrients
~the availability of oxygen
~a suitable temperature and pH
What are some problems with fermenters as the number of microorganisms increase?
~the food is used up
~the temperature increases as the microorganisms respire
~oxygen levels decrease as microorganisms respire
~produces carbon dioxide so the pH changes
~as waste products build up the microorganisms begin to die
