Eukaryotic Cells and Chromosome Transmission

Flashcards summarizing key terms and definitions related to the eukaryotic cell cycle, mitosis, meiosis, and chromosome structure.

Chromosome

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

Karyotype

A photographic representation of the chromosomes of a cell, revealing the number, size, and form of the chromosomes.

Diploid

A cell that contains two complete sets of chromosomes, one from each parent (2n).

Haploid

A cell that contains one complete set of chromosomes (1n).

Sister Chromatids

Identical copies of a chromosome, joined together at the centromere after DNA replication.

Homologous Chromosomes

Chromosome pairs, one from each parent, that are similar in shape, size, and genetic content.

Cyclins

Proteins that regulate the cell cycle by activating cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs).

Cyclin-Dependent Kinases (Cdks)

Enzymes that, when activated by cyclins, regulate different stages of the cell cycle.

Checkpoints

Regulatory points in the cell cycle that assess whether the cell is ready to proceed to the next phase.

Mitosis

A process of cell division that results in two genetically identical diploid daughter cells.

Meiosis

A specialized form of cell division that results in four haploid cells, contributing to genetic diversity.

Cytokinesis

The process that divides the cytoplasm of a parental cell into two daughter cells after mitosis.

Bivalent (Tetrad)

A pair of homologous chromosomes, each consisting of two sister chromatids, formed during meiosis.

Crossing Over

The process during meiosis where homologous chromosomes exchange genetic material, increasing genetic diversity.

Sexual Reproduction

A reproductive process that involves the fusion of two haploid gametes to form a diploid zygote.

Aneuploidy

An abnormal number of chromosomes in a cell, such as in conditions like trisomy or monosomy.

Polyploidy

A condition in which a cell has three or more complete sets of chromosomes.