Honors Biology - Cell Division, DNA, and Protein Synthesis Topic Review

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts, definitions, and processes related to Cell Division, DNA Structure, and Protein Synthesis.

Cell Cycle

The series of stages that a cell goes through to divide and replicate.

Interphase

The phase of the cell cycle where the cell prepares for division; includes G1, S, and G2 phases.

S phase

The phase of interphase where DNA replication occurs.

Checkpoints

Regulatory mechanisms in the cell cycle that ensure the integrity of the cell's DNA before proceeding to the next phase.

Mitosis

A type of cell division that results in two identical daughter cells.

Cytokinesis

The process that follows mitosis, dividing the cytoplasm of a parental cell into two daughter cells.

Meiosis

A specialized type of cell division that produces gametes, resulting in four genetically diverse cells.

Crossing Over

The process during meiosis where homologous chromosomes exchange genetic material.

Independent Assortment

The random distribution of homologous chromosomes during meiosis.

Cancer

A disease characterized by uncontrolled cell division, often due to mutations.

Carcinogens

Substances that can lead to cancer by causing mutations.

DNA Structure

DNA is made up of a backbone of sugar and phosphate with nitrogenous bases attached.

Nucleotide

The basic structural unit of DNA, consisting of a sugar, phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

Complementary Base-Pairing

The mechanism where adenine pairs with thymine and guanine pairs with cytosine in DNA.

Antiparallel Strands

For DNA, it refers to the opposing directionality of the two strands of the double helix.

RNA

Ribonucleic acid, a single-stranded nucleic acid involved in protein synthesis.

Transcription

The process of synthesizing mRNA from a DNA template.

Translation

The process of synthesizing proteins from mRNA by ribosomes.

Codon

A sequence of three nucleotides in mRNA that codes for a specific amino acid.

Central Dogma

The flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to proteins.

Semi-Conservative Replication

The method of DNA replication in which each daughter DNA molecule contains one original strand and one new strand.