Cell Division in Biological Systems - Lecture 2.3

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to cell division, mitosis, meiosis, and their implications in biological systems.

Chromatin

A combination of DNA and proteins that make up chromosomes.

Chromosome

A tightly coiled form of the DNA-protein complex; in molecular biology, refers to a single DNA molecule and associated proteins.

Chromatin

A combination of DNA and proteins that make up chromosomes.

Chromosome

A tightly coiled form of the DNA-protein complex; in molecular biology, refers to a single DNA molecule and associated proteins.

Sister Chromatids

Identical copies of the same chromosome.

Centromere

The location at which sister chromatids are most closely attached.

Binary Fission

The process by which prokaryotes divide; involves the replication of DNA followed by division of the cell into two daughter cells.

Mitosis

A process of cell division resulting in two genetically identical diploid cells; used for growth and repair.

Meiosis

A type of cell division necessary for sexual reproduction, resulting in four haploid cells with half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell.

Diploid

Cells that have two sets of homologous chromosomes, represented as 2n.

Haploid

Cells that have only one set of chromosomes, represented as n.

Cytokinesis

The final step of cell division, where the cytoplasm divides, resulting in two new cells.

Gametes

Haploid cells produced by meiosis, necessary for sexual reproduction.

Genetic Variability

The diversity in gene frequencies within a population; increased through processes like crossing over and independent assortment during meiosis.

Cell Cycle

The series of events that a cell goes through, including interphase (G1, S, G2) and mitotic phase (Mitosis + Cytokinesis).

Crossing Over

The exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during meiosis, contributing to genetic diversity.

Independent Assortment

The principle that alleles for different genes segregate independently of one another during the formation of gametes.

Cleavage Furrow

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

Cell Plate

A structure that forms during cytokinesis in plant cells, which will develop into the cell wall.

Cancer

A disease characterized by uncontrolled cell growth due to errors in the cell cycle.