General Biology Cell Cycle Vocab words.

Cell Division

The process by which a parent cell divides into two or more daughter cells, essential for growth, repair, and reproduction in organisms.

Tissue Renewal

The process of replacing old or damaged cells in tissues to maintain their function

Genome

 All DNA in cell

Chromatin

the material consisting of DNA and proteins that make up chromosomes

Chromosomes

the structures that hold genetic information, consisting of DNA tightly coiled around proteins, which are visible during cell division

Histone Protein

provides structural support for a chromosome

Nucleosome

First level of DNA packaging, designed to condense long DNA molecules into a compact, organized form within the cell nucleus.

Sister Chromatid

two identical copies of a single replicated chromosome.

Circular Chromosome

primary structure of DNA found in prokaryotes, characterized as a single, continuous, closed-loop moleculeC

Cohesion Proteins

"molecular glue" to hold sister chromatids together from DNA replication

Nuclear Envelope

Controls the exchange of materials (such as RNA and proteins) between the nucleus and cytosol through nuclear pore complexes. In many organisms, it breaks down and reforms during mitosis.

Disjunction

the normal separation or moving apart of chromosomes toward opposite poles of a cell during cell division

Organelles

specialized, membrane-bound structures in eukaryotic cells that perform distinct metabolic roles

Cleavage Furrow

the indentation of the plasma membrane that appears during cytokinesis in animal cells, marking the physical separation of one parent cell into two daughter cells

Ploidy

the number of complete sets of chromosomes in a cell nucleus

Haploid (n)

Contains one complete set of chromosomes

Diploid (2n)

Contains two complete set of chromosomes

Gametes

sex cells

Somatic Cells

Body Cells, 1 copy from each parent

Genes

Units of heredity, made up of specific DNA sequences located on chromosomes within a cell's nucleus

Centromere

region of a chromosome that holds sister chromatids together after DNA replication and serves as the attachment point for spindle fibers

Binary Fission

asexual reproduction in prokaryotes, cells double in size & split

Centrioles

small, barrel-shaped organelles found in animal cells that act as the main organizers of the cell's "skeleton" (microtubules)

Mitotic Spindle

fibers that are formed from a cell's centrioles to accurately segregate chromosomes, ensuring each daughter cell receives an identical set of genetic material during cell division

Kinetochore

Acts as the attachment point for spindle fibers (microtubules) to pull sister chromatids apart to opposite ends of the cell

Cytoplasm

Site of metabolic reactions, supports organelles, and helps maintain cell shape.

Cell Plate

A structure that forms in the middle of a dividing plant cell during cytokinesis

2n=4 What does the 2n Represent?

Diploid, 2 sets of chromosomes

2n=4 What does 4 represent?

Total Number of Chromosomes in both sets.

Homologus Pairs

A set of two matching chromosomes, one inherited from the mother and one from the father