Unit 6: Cell Reproduction Flashcards
Anaphase
The third phase of mitosis. During this phase, the sister chromatids separate and the centromeres divide. The sister chromatids are pulled apart by the shortening of the spindle fibers.
Asexual reproduction
Reproduction not requiring fertilization; only involves one parent.
Binary fission
A method of asexual reproduction in which single-celled organisms like bacteria reproduce by replicating their DNA and splitting in half.
Budding
A form of asexual reproduction in which a new individual organ isms develop from one parent organism
Cancer
Condition caused by uncontrolled cell growth where cells grow and divide continuously at an unregulated pace. This can result in the formation of a group of cancer cells called a tumor.
Cell cycle
The sequence of phases that a eukaryotic cell progresses through beginning with its origin in the division of a parent cell and ending with its own division.
Cell division
Process in which one cell, called the parent cell, divides to form two new cells.
Centromere
The section of a chromosome where the spindles attach during cell division.
Checkpoint
Times where the cell cycle can be stopped if the appropriate signals or feedback information are not provided to regulatory proteins.
Chromatid
A replicated chromosome, joined by the centromere to a copy of the chromosome
Chromatin
Substance containing DNA and protein that is housed in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells.
DNA that is uncoiled and spread through out the nucleus
Chromosome
A tightly wound bundle of DNA and proteins found in the nucleus of most living cells.
Crossing over
The exchange of genetic material creating a recombination of the chromosomes that occurs during prophase I of meiosis. This results in genetic variation
Cytokenesis
The final stage of cell division in eukaryotes and prokaryotes when the cytoplasm of the dividing cell splits in two and two new daughter cells are formed. In animal cells, cytokinesis involves the formation of a cleavage furrow. In plant cells, cytokinesis involves the formation of a cell plate.
Diploid
A cell that has two complete sets of chromosomes and is designated as 2n.
DNA replication
The process of copying DNA in preparation for cell division.
First gap (G1)
First stage of interphase when the cell grows rapidly while performing its normal life processes.
Fragmentation
Type of asexual reproduction where a parent organism divides into fragments, or pieces, and each fragment develops into a new organism.
Gamete
The haploid reproductive cells formed by meiotic cell division of a germ cell: egg (female) or sperm (male).
Gametogenesis
The development of haploid cells into gametes.
Gene
The basic unit of heredity in a living organism; a segment of DNA or RNA
Haploid
A cell that contains one complete set of chromosomes and is designated as 1n.
Histones
Protein around which chromosomal DNA is wound in eukaryotic cells.
Homologous chromosomes
Pair of chromosomes that are identical in appearance and contain the same information. Homologous chromosomes pair during meiosis and offspring receive one chromosome from each parent.
Independent assortment
Homologous chromosomes line up randomly during metaphase I of meiosis. This results in gametes that have unique combinations of chrombsomes.
Interphase
The phase of the cell cycle where a cell spends most of its time. During interphase the cel grows, performs life processes, and prepares to divide. This phase includes the G1, S, and G2 stages
Meiosis
The cell division process that creates egg and sperm cells.
Metaphase
Second phase of mitosis. During this phase, the spindle fibers attach to the centromere of each pair of sister chromatids and the sister chromatids line up at the center of the dividing cell
Mitosis
The stage of the cell cycle that includes the division of the nucleus. The steps include: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.
Oogenesis
The process that results in the production of female gametes (eggs, or ova).
Prophase
The longest and first phase of mitosis. During this phase, the chromosomes first appear, the nuclear membrane breaks down and, in animal cells, the centrioles near the nucleus begin to separate and move to opposite poles.
Second gap (G2)
Third stage of interphase when the cell grows and makes final preparations for cell division. During this stage, additional proteins and organelles are formed
Sexual reproduction
The production of offspring in which two parents give rise to offspring with combinations of genes inherited from both parents via union of the gametes.
Spermatogenisis
The process that results in the production of male gametes (sperm).
Synthesis (S)
Second stage of interphase when the cell’s DNA is copied during a process called
DNA replication.
Telophase
The fourth and final phase of mitosis. During this phase, the chromosomes begin to uncoil and form chromatin. Two new nuclei also begin to form in the dividing cell at opposite poles.
Tumor
A mass of abnormal cells that can be cancerous.
Zygote
A fertilized egg, the first cell of the new organism created through fertilization
