DNA Replication, Binary Fission, and Mitosis

A collection of vocabulary flashcards based on key concepts from the chapter on DNA replication, binary fission, and mitosis.

Mitosis

The process of cell division that results in two identical daughter cells.

Meiosis

A type of cell division that produces sex cells with half the number of chromosomes.

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death that eliminates excess or defective cells.

Binary Fission

A type of asexual reproduction in prokaryotes where a cell divides into two identical daughter cells.

Interphase

The phase of the cell cycle in which the cell prepares for division by replicating its DNA and performing normal functions.

S Phase

The part of interphase where DNA is replicated.

G1 Phase

The first phase of interphase where the cell grows and synthesizes proteins.

G2 Phase

The final phase of interphase where the cell prepares for mitosis.

Leading Strand

The DNA strand that is synthesized continuously during DNA replication.

Lagging Strand

The DNA strand that is synthesized in short segments during DNA replication.

Chromatin

The complex of DNA and proteins in the nucleus before cell division.

Chromosomes

Condensed structures of DNA that form during cell division.

Cleavage Furrow

The indentation that begins the process of cytokinesis in animal cells.

Tumor

An abnormal mass of tissue resulting from uncontrolled cell division.

Proto-Oncogenes

Genes that promote cell division; when overactive, they can contribute to cancer.

Tumor Suppressor Genes

Genes that inhibit cell division; when underactive, they can lead to cancer.

DNA Helicase

An enzyme that unwinds the double helix of DNA during replication.

DNA Polymerase

An enzyme that synthesizes new DNA strands by adding nucleotides.

Nucleotides

The building blocks of DNA and RNA, consisting of a sugar, phosphate group, and nitrogenous base.

Histones

Proteins around which DNA is tightly coiled to form nucleosomes in eukaryotic cells.

Semiconservative Replication

The process of DNA replication where each new DNA molecule consists of one parental strand and one new strand.

Cytokinesis

The process of cytoplasmic division that follows mitosis, resulting in two daughter cells.

Cell Cycle Checkpoints

Regulatory points in the cell cycle that assess the condition of the cell and can halt progression if abnormalities are detected.