Cell Division and Reproduction

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts related to cell division, reproduction, and genetic variation.

Asexual Reproduction

Reproduction without the fusion of gametes, resulting in genetically identical offspring.

Binary Fission

A form of asexual reproduction in prokaryotic organisms where the cell divides into two identical daughter cells.

Telomeres

The end caps of linear DNA molecules that shorten with each cell division.

Mitosis

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

Interphase

The phase of the cell cycle when the cell is not dividing but preparing for division.

S Phase

The phase of interphase where DNA is replicated.

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death that occurs in multicellular organisms.

Cytokinesis

The division of the cytoplasm to form two separate daughter cells after mitosis.

Chromatids

The sister chromatids are replicated arms of a chromosome, connected at the centromere.

Chromosomes

Structures within cells that contain DNA and other genetic material.

Prophase

The first stage of mitosis where the nuclear envelope dissolves and chromosomes condense.

Anaphase

A stage in mitosis where sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles.

Telophase

The final stage of mitosis where the chromosomes decondense and nuclear envelopes reform.

Cancer Cells

Abnormal cells that divide uncontrollably and can invade other tissue.

Benign Tumor

A non-cancerous growth that does not spread to other parts of the body.

Malignant Tumor

A cancerous tumor that can invade surrounding tissues and metastasize.

Meiosis

A specialized type of cell division that reduces chromosome number to form gametes.

Gametes

Sex cells (sperm and egg) with half the number of chromosomes of somatic cells.

Diploid (2N)

Cells that contain two complete sets of chromosomes, one from each parent.

Haploid (N)

Cells that contain a single set of unpaired chromosomes.

Zygote

The fertilized egg that results from the fusion of sperm and egg.

Alleles

Different versions of a gene that can exist at a specific locus.

Homologous Chromosomes

Pairs of chromosomes, one from each parent, that are similar in shape, size, and genetic content.

Karyotype

A visual representation of an individual's chromosomes, used to detect genetic abnormalities.

Down Syndrome

A genetic disorder caused by the presence of an extra 21st chromosome.

Turner Syndrome

A chromosomal disorder in females characterized by the absence of one X chromosome (45,X).

Klinefelter Syndrome

A genetic condition in males caused by an extra X chromosome (XXY), leading to infertility.

Supermale Syndrome

A condition in males with an extra Y chromosome (XYY), associated with tall stature and potential learning difficulties.

Sex Determination

The process by which the sex of an organism is established, often by genetic factors.

Disjunction

The normal separation of homologous chromosomes during cell division.

Chromosomal Abnormality

A deviation from the normal number or structure of chromosomes.

Genetic Variation

Diversity in gene frequencies within a population.

Mendelian Inheritance

Patterns of inheritance that are characteristic of organisms that reproduce sexually.

Spermatogenesis

The process of sperm cell development.

Oogenesis

The process of egg cell development.

Stem Cells

Undifferentiated cells with the potential to develop into different cell types.

Genetic Material

The molecules that carry genetic information in a cell.

Spindle Fibers

Structures that pull chromosomes apart during cell division.

Genotype

The genetic constitution of an individual organism.

Phenotype

The observable characteristics of an individual, resulting from the interaction of its genotype with the environment.

Mutation

A change in the DNA sequence that can lead to variations in traits.

Filial Generation

The generations that result from a cross between the parental generation.

Sister Chromatids

Identical copies of a chromosome connected at the centromere.

Nuclear Envelope

A double membrane that encloses the nucleus of a cell.

Somatic Cells

Any cells of the body that are not germ cells (sperm or egg).

Gene Therapy

A technique that modifies a person's genes to treat or prevent disease.

Cell Cycle Checkpoints

Regulatory points in the cell cycle that ensure the proper division of cells.