Bio111 Exam 2- Module 10- TAMU- Fletcher

Somatic Cells

All body cells except reproductive cells, which are diploid (2n).

Gametes

Sex cells (sperm and egg) that are haploid (1n).

Binary Fission

The method of cell division in prokaryotes involving simple splitting of DNA and cytoplasm.

Mitosis

The type of cell division for somatic cells.

Meiosis

The type of cell division that produces gametes.

Interphase

The phase of the cell cycle that includes growth and preparation for division.

Prophase

The first stage of mitosis where chromosomes condense and the spindle fibers begin to form.

Prometaphase

The stage of mitosis where the nuclear envelope disappears, and spindle fibers attach to centromeres.

Metaphase

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

Anaphase

The phase of mitosis where sister chromatids separate and move to opposite poles.

Telophase

The final stage of mitosis where chromosomes de-condense and new nuclear envelopes form.

Cytokinesis

The division of the cytoplasm that results in two identical daughter cells.

Cleavage Furrow

The method of cytokinesis in animal cells.

Cell Plate

The method of cytokinesis in plant cells.

Cell Cycle Checkpoints

Points in the cell cycle that ensure proper growth, DNA replication, and division.

G₁ Checkpoint

Checks for DNA damage, size, and nutrients; failure leads to G₀ phase.

G₂ Checkpoint

Checks for proper DNA replication and damage repair before mitosis.

M Checkpoint

Checks that all chromosomes are attached to spindle fibers prior to separation.

Proto-oncogenes

Normal genes that promote cell cycle progression.

Tumor Suppressor Genes

Genes that inhibit cell cycle progression; mutations can lead to cancer.

Oncogenes

Mutated proto-oncogenes that cause uncontrolled cell growth.

Cancer

Uncontrolled cell division resulting from mutations in regulatory genes.

Benign Tumor

Localized mass that does not invade nearby tissues.

Malignant Tumor

Cancerous tumor that invades nearby tissues.

Metastatic Cancer

Cancer that spreads from its original site to other parts of the body.

Diploid

Cells containing two sets of chromosomes (2n).

Haploid

Cells containing one set of chromosomes (1n).

Chromatid

Each of the two thread-like strands into which a chromosome divides during cell division.

Spindle Fibers

Structures that pull chromosomes apart during mitosis.

Nuclear Envelope

The double membrane that surrounds and protects the nucleus.

Chromosome

A structure made of DNA and proteins that contains genetic information.

Zygote

The diploid cell formed when a sperm and egg combine.

Cytoplasm

The jelly-like substance within a cell that surrounds the nucleus.

Cell Division

The process by which a parent cell divides into two or more daughter cells.

Eukaryotic Cell Division

Involves mitosis and meiosis, ensuring genetic material is copied and distributed.

Prokaryotic Cell Division

Simpler division method involving binary fission.

Cell Cycle Regulation

Mechanisms that control the timing of the cell cycle and ensure accurate cell division.

DNA Replication

The process of copying the DNA prior to cell division.

Sibling Chromatids

Identical copies of a single chromosome, joined together.

Growth Phase

The phase in interphase where the cell grows and performs normal functions.

S phase

The phase of interphase where DNA is replicated.

G₂ Phase

The final phase of interphase where the cell prepares for mitosis.