Cell Division and Chromosome Structure

These flashcards cover key concepts and vocabulary related to cell division, meiosis, mitosis, and chromosome structure, preparing students for their upcoming exam.

Meiosis

Nuclear division that gives rise to gametes with half the number of chromosomes as the original cell.

Mitosis

Nuclear division that results in identical body cells.

Gametes

Sex cells such as eggs and sperm formed through meiosis.

Somatic cells

All cells in the body except eggs and sperm; humans have 46 chromosomes.

Diploid (2n)

A cell with two of each chromosome.

Haploid (n)

A cell with only one member of each homologous pair of chromosomes.

Homologous pairs

Two chromosomes that form a pair, one from each parent, that have genes for the same traits.

Interphase

The phase of the cell cycle where the cell grows and prepares for division.

Cytokinesis

Division of the cytoplasm during the final stages of cell division.

Chromatid

One of the two identical halves of a duplicated chromosome.

Centromere

The part of a chromosome where the two chromatids are joined.

Prophase

The first phase of mitosis where chromatin condenses into chromosomes and the nuclear membrane breaks down.

Metaphase

The second phase of mitosis where chromosomes line up at the cell's equator.

Anaphase

The third phase of mitosis where sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite ends of the cell.

Telophase

The final phase of mitosis where the nuclear envelope forms around each set of chromosomes.

Sister chromatids

Two identical copies of a chromosome connected by a centromere.

Crossing over

The exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during meiosis.

Independent assortment

The random distribution of homologous chromosomes during meiosis.

Chromosome

A structure that contains DNA and protein, located in the nucleus.

Histones

Specialized proteins that help package and manage DNA in chromosomes.

Cell cycle

The series of events that a cell goes through from its formation to its division.