Untitled Flashcards Set

Asexual Reproduction

An organism reproducing by simple cell division, resulting in genetically identical offspring from one parent.

Genetic inheritance in Asexual Reproduction

Offspring inherit 100% of their genetic material from one parent.

Sexual Reproduction

The process involving two parents in the production of offspring.

Cell Cycle

The orderly sequence of events a cell undergoes to divide.

Interphase

A phase where the cell may spend up to 90% of its time carrying out metabolic processes and performing functions.

Mitosis

The stage of the cell cycle when the nucleus and duplicated chromosomes divide into two daughter nuclei.

Cytokinesis

The process by which the cytoplasm divides in two, creating two daughter cells.

Centromere

The region of a chromosome where sister chromatids are joined.

Chromatin

The relaxed form of DNA found in the nucleus during interphase.

Chromosomes

The condensed form of DNA visible during cell division.

Sister Chromatids

Identical halves of a duplicated chromosome.

Cancer

A disease characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and division.

Benign Tumor

A non-cancerous tumor that does not invade nearby tissues.

Malignant Tumor

A cancerous tumor that can invade and destroy nearby tissues.

Metastasis

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

Spindle

Structure made of microtubules that helps separate chromosomes during mitosis.

Centrosome

An organelle that serves as a main microtubule organizing center for mitosis.

Cell Plate

A structure that forms in plant cells during cytokinesis, leading to the separation of daughter cells.

Trisomy

A chromosomal abnormality characterized by the presence of an extra chromosome.

Monosomy

A chromosomal abnormality characterized by the absence of one chromosome from a pair.

Diploid

A cell with two complete sets of chromosomes, one from each parent.

Haploid

A cell with one complete set of chromosomes, typical of gametes.

Homologous Chromosomes

Pairs of chromosomes, one from each parent, that are similar in shape and size.

Oncogenes

Genes that have the potential to cause cancer when mutated or expressed at high levels.

Tumor Suppressor Genes

Genes that protect a cell from one step on the path to cancer; their loss or mutation can lead to cancer.