Cell Division and Asexual Reproduction

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions related to cell division and asexual reproduction, essential for understanding the topics in the lecture.

Asexual reproduction

A form of reproduction where offspring arise from a single parent, resulting in identical genetic copies.

Binary fission

A method of asexual reproduction in prokaryotes where a cell divides into two approximately equal parts.

Cell cycle

The series of phases that a cell goes through to grow and divide, including interphase and mitosis.

Chromatid

A single condensed chromosome, which is one of the two identical halves of a replicated chromosome.

Sister chromatids

Two identical copies of a chromosome that are connected by a centromere.

Chromosome

A DNA molecule that contains genetic information, organized in a compact structure with associated proteins.

Telomere

The ends of a chromosome that protect it from degradation and maintain its integrity during division.

Cleavage furrow

The indentations that form in the cell membrane during cytokinesis in animal cells, leading to cell division.

Cell plate

The structure that forms during cytokinesis in plant cells, facilitating the separation of daughter cells.

Nucleosome

The basic unit of chromatin structure, consisting of a segment of DNA wrapped around a core of histone proteins.

Metaphase plate

The imaginary plane where chromosomes line up during metaphase of cell division.

Centrosome

An organelle that serves as a microtubule organizing center and plays a key role in cell division.