Cell Division Terms

Asexual

reproduction that involves a single parent organism, resulting in offspring that are genetically identical to the parent.

Benign

A type of tumor that is not cancerous. Made up of cells that grow in an uncontrolled way.

Cancer

Disease that occurs when the cell cycle is no longer regulated and cells divide out of control

Cell Cycle

Repeating series of events that a cell goes through during its life, including growth, DNA, synthesis, and cell division.

Centromere

region of sister chromatids where they are joined together

Chromatin

grainy material that DNA forms when its not coiled into chromosomes

Chromosomes

coiled structures made of DNA and proteins containing sister chromatids that is the form in which the genetic material of a cell goes through cell division.

Crossing-Over

Exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes when they are closely painted during meiosis

Cytokinesis

splitting of the cytoplasm to form daughter cells when a cell divides

Diploid

having two of each type of chromosomes

Fertilization

union of two gametes that produce a diploid zygoteamet

Gametes

reproductive cell produced during meiosis that has the haploid number of chromosomes

Genetic Recombination

is a process that occurs during the formation of eggs and sperm (gametes) in organisms

Haploid

Having only one chromosome of each type

Homologous Chromosomes

pair of chromosomes that have the same size and shape and contain the same genes

Interphase

stage of the eukaryotic cells cycle when the cell grows, synthesis DNA, and prepares to divide

Karyotypes

is a picture or diagram that shows the complete set of chromosomes in a cell of an organisms.

Malignant

cells that divide uncontrollably and can lead to cancer

Metastasis

When cancer cells spread from the orginal site to other parts of the body.

Mitosis

process in which the nucleus of a eukaryotic cells divides

Sex Chromosomes

X and Y chromosomes (in humans)

Sexual

Type of reproduction that involves the fertilization of gametes produces by two parents and produces genetically variable offsprings

Sister Chromatids

are two identical copies of a single chromosomes that are connected by a structure called centromere.

Spindle

A structure composed of microtubules that forms during cell division, It helps separate chromosomes into daughter cells.

Zygote

Diploid cell that forms when two haploid gametes unite during fertilization