Asexual Reproduction

Cell Division

The process by which a growing cell divides to form two daughter cells before it becomes too large.

Daughter Cells

The two cells formed after cell division, each receiving a complete set of genetic information.

Surface Area to Volume Ratio

The relationship between the surface area of a cell's membrane and its internal volume; a higher ratio allows for more efficient nutrient and waste exchange.

Chromosomes

Thread-like structures made of DNA and proteins (histones) that carry the cell's coded genetic information.

Chromatin

The combination of DNA and protein that makes up chromosomes.

Histones

Proteins that DNA wraps around to form chromatin.

Sister Chromatids

Two identical parts of a replicated chromosome.

Centromere

The area where sister chromatids are attached to each other.

Diploid (2n)

A cell containing two sets of chromosomes (one from each parent).

Haploid (n)

A cell containing only a single set of chromosomes.

Cell Cycle

The series of events that cells go through as they grow and divide.

Interphase

The period of growth and preparation for division, consisting of G1, S, and G2 phases.

G1 Phase

Period of cell growth.

S Phase

Period of DNA replication.

G2 Phase

Period of preparation for mitosis (organelles produced).

M Phase

The phase of cell division, which includes mitosis and cytokinesis.

Mitosis

The division of the cell nucleus.

Prophase

The first and longest phase of mitosis; chromosomes become visible, centrioles separate, and the spindle forms.

Metaphase

Chromosomes line up across the center of the cell; microtubules connect the centromere to the poles.

Anaphase

Sister chromatids separate into individual chromosomes and move apart.

Telophase

Chromosomes gather at opposite ends of the cell and lose their distinct shape; two new nuclear envelopes form.

Cytokinesis

The division of the cytoplasm itself.

Cleavage Furrow

The pinching of the cell membrane in animal cells during cytokinesis.

Cell Plate

Structure that forms midway between divided nuclei in plant cells, eventually becoming the cell wall.

Spindle

Fanlike microtubule structure that helps separate the chromosomes.

Centrioles

Two tiny structures located in the cytoplasm near the nuclear envelope that help organize the spindle.

Cyclins

Proteins that regulate the timing of the cell cycle in eukaryotic cells.

Cancer

A disorder in which some of the body's own cells lose the ability to control growth.

Asexual Reproduction

Reproduction involving a single parent that results in offspring that are genetically identical to the parent.

Binary Fission

A single cell duplicates its genetic material and divides into two equal daughter cells, common in prokaryotes like bacteria.

Budding

An outgrowth of cells from a parent organism capable of producing an entirely new, genetically identical organism.

Vegetative Reproduction

Production of genetically identical plants from horizontal stems, plantlets, or roots.

Sporulation

Asexual reproduction by the production and release of spores, common in fungi.

Regeneration

The process by which new cells replace cells that have died or been removed.

Auxins

Hormones that promote stem and root growth and regulate tropisms.

Ethylene

A gas hormone that ripens fruit and causes leaves to drop.

Cytokinins

Hormones that stimulate cell division.