The Cell Cycle Flashcards
What are the three main reasons for cell division?
Growth, reproduction, and repair
What is sexual reproduction?
Involves two parents, offspring are genetically unique, and offspring are complex organisms
What is asexual reproduction?
Involves only one parent, offspring are genetically identical to the parent, and offspring are single celled and simple organsims
Why does the number of cells increase instead of the size of the cell?
Nutrients, water, and gases must diffuse in and out of the cell in order for it to survive. As cell size increases, the surface area to volume ratio decreases and the diffusion process becomes too slow.
What are the three stages of the cell cycle?
- Interphase
- Mitosis
- Cytokinesis
What happens during interphase?
The cell is carrying out all life processes except division, the DNA and organelles are replicating
What are the four stages of mitosis?
- Prophase
- Metaphase
- Anaphase
- Telophase
What are chromosomes?
Two sister chromatids held together by a centromere
What happens in prophase of mitosis?
The nuclear membrane breaks down and the DNA condenses into chromosomes
What happens in metaphase of mitosis?
The chomosomes line up in the middle of the cell
What happens during anaphase in mitosis?
The sister chromatids spereate and move to opposite poles
What are sister chromatids called after they seperate during anaphase?
Daughter chromosomes
What happens during telophase of mitosis?
The daughter chromosomes unwind back into chromatin and the nuclear membrane reforms
What happens during cytokinesis?
The cytoplasm divides. In animal cells, the cell membrane pinches in while in plant cells, a cell plate forms a new cell wall.
