Cytokinesis and Chromosomes

A set of flashcards covering key concepts in cytokinesis and chromosome biology.

Cytokinesis

The process that divides the cytoplasm of a parental cell into two daughter cells.

Cleavage Furrow

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

Cell Plate

The structure that forms during cytokinesis in plant cells.

Haploid

A cell with a single set of chromosomes (n), such as human gametes, which contain 23 chromosomes.

Diploid

A cell with two sets of chromosomes (2n), reflecting the total number of chromosomes in a cell, such as human somatic cells containing 46 chromosomes.

Homologous Chromosomes

Pairs of chromosomes that are alike and come together during synapsis in prophase of meiosis.

Synapsis

The process during prophase of meiosis where homologous chromosomes pair up.

Meiosis

The type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number from diploid to haploid.

Sister Chromatids

Identical copies of a chromosome that are connected by a centromere.

Prophase

The first stage of meiosis where homologous chromosomes condense and pair up.