AP Bio ch 12, 13 (copy)

Mitosis

The process of cell division that results in two identical somatic cells.

Meiosis

A type of cell division that produces gametes (egg/sperm) with half the number of chromosomes.

Interphase

The longest phase of the cell cycle, where the cell grows and duplicates its DNA.

G1 Phase

The first gap phase of interphase, focused on cell growth.

S Phase

The synthesis phase of interphase, where DNA replication occurs.

G2 Phase

The second gap phase of interphase, where the cell continues to grow.

M Phase

The phase of the cell cycle that includes mitosis and cytokinesis.

Chromatin

The complex of DNA and proteins that condenses to form chromosomes.

Sister Chromatids

Identical copies of a chromosome connected at the centromere.

Cleavage Furrow

The indentation that begins the process of cytokinesis in animal cells.

Binary Fission

A method of asexual reproduction in bacteria where the cell divides in half.

Cell Cycle Control System

A system of molecular signals that regulate the progression of the cell cycle.

G1 Checkpoint

The most critical checkpoint in the cell cycle, determining if the cell will proceed to division.

Cyclin

A protein that fluctuates in concentration and regulates the cell cycle by activating kinases.

Cyclin-Dependent Kinases (CDKs)

Enzymes that require cyclin to be active and drive the cell cycle.

Maturation Promoting Factors (MPFs)

Complexes of cyclin and CDK that trigger the transition from G2 to M phase.

Growth Factors

Proteins that stimulate cell division and promote mitosis.

Density Dependent Inhibition

A phenomenon where crowded cells stop dividing due to limited nutrients.

Anchorage Dependence

The requirement for most cells to be attached to a surface to divide.

Cancer

A disease characterized by uncontrolled cell division and growth.

Benign Tumor

A non-invasive tumor that remains in its original location.

Malignant Tumor

A tumor that invades surrounding tissues and organs.

Metastasis

The spread of cancer cells to distant parts of the body.

Genetics

The study of heredity and variation in organisms.

Gametes

Reproductive cells (egg and sperm) that carry genetic information.

Locus

The specific location of a gene on a chromosome.

Asexual Reproduction

A form of reproduction where a single parent produces genetically identical offspring.

Sexual Reproduction

A form of reproduction that involves the combination of genetic material from two parents.

Karyotyping

The process of pairing and ordering all chromosomes to analyze chromosomal abnormalities.

Haploid Cell

A cell with a single set of chromosomes (n), such as gametes.

Diploid Cell

A cell with two sets of chromosomes (2n), such as somatic cells.

Zygote

The fertilized egg that is diploid and the first stage of development.

Meiosis

A specialized form of cell division that reduces chromosome number from diploid to haploid.

Prophase I

The stage of meiosis where homologous chromosomes pair and crossing over occurs.

Tetrad

A structure formed by the pairing of homologous chromosomes during meiosis.

Crossing Over

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

Independent Assortment

The random orientation of homologous chromosome pairs during metaphase I.

Random Fertilization

The random combination of gametes during fertilization, contributing to genetic diversity.