Cell Division

Practice flashcards for reviewing key concepts about cell division, focusing on eukaryotic chromosomes, the cell cycle, mitosis, and meiosis.

Eukaryotic Chromosomes

Chromosomes made of chromatin, composed of DNA and protein.

Chromatin

Fibers consisting of DNA and protein, making up chromosomes.

Histones

Proteins that help package DNA in eukaryotes.

Sister Chromatids

Identical copies of a chromosome, joined at the centromere.

Centromere

The narrow waist where two sister chromatids are joined together.

Karyotype

A visual representation of an individual's chromosomes arranged by size.

Cell Cycle

A repeated series of events from one cell division to the next, including mitosis and interphase.

Interphase

The phase of the cell cycle where the cell is not dividing but performing its normal functions and preparing for division.

Mitosis

A part of the cell cycle where the nucleus divides evenly into two daughter nuclei.

Cytokinesis

The process where the cytoplasm divides, resulting in two new cells.

Prophase

The first stage of mitosis where chromosomes condense and the spindle forms.

Metaphase

The stage of mitosis where chromosomes align at the cell's equator.

Anaphase

The stage of mitosis where sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles of the cell.

Telophase

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

Meiosis

A type of cell division that produces haploid gametes through two rounds of division.

Crossing Over

The exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during prophase I of meiosis.

Gametes

Sex cells (sperm and egg) that are produced through meiosis and contain half the number of chromosomes of somatic cells.

Unique Combination of Genes

Genetic variation in offspring produced through sexual reproduction.

Haploid

A cell containing one complete set of chromosomes.

Diploid

A cell containing two complete sets of chromosomes.

Mitosis vs. Meiosis

Mitosis produces identical daughter cells while meiosis produces genetically unique haploid cells.