Principles of Biology I - Chapter 12 Learning Outcomes

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary terms related to the learning outcomes from Chapter 12 of Principles of Biology I, focusing on the processes of mitosis and the cell cycle.

Mitosis

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

Gene

A segment of DNA that contains the instructions for the synthesis of proteins.

Genome

The complete set of genes or genetic material present in a cell or organism.

Chromosome

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

Somatic cell

Any cell of the body except for sperm and egg cells.

Gametes

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

Chromatin

The complex of DNA and protein found in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells.

Daughter cell

The cells that result from the division of a single parent cell.

Number of human chromosomes

Humans typically have 46 chromosomes, arranged in 23 pairs.

Sister chromatids

Identical copies of a chromosome that are joined together by a common centromere.

Interphase

The phase of the cell cycle during which the cell prepares for division.

Mitotic phase

The part of the cell cycle in which mitosis occurs, resulting in cell division.

G1 phase

The first gap phase in the cell cycle, where the cell grows and prepares for DNA replication.

S phase

The synthesis phase of the cell cycle where DNA is replicated.

G2 phase

The second gap phase in the cell cycle, where the cell prepares for mitosis.

Prophase

The first stage of mitosis, during which chromosomes condense and become visible.

Metaphase

The stage of mitosis where chromosomes align in the middle of the cell.

Anaphase

The stage of mitosis where sister chromatids are pulled apart toward opposite poles.

Telophase

The final stage of mitosis, where the chromosomes de-condense and nuclear envelopes reform.

Metaphase plate

The imaginary plane where chromosomes align during metaphase.

Spindle apparatus

The structure made of microtubules that orchestrates the movement of chromosomes during mitosis.

Kinetochores

Protein structures on the chromosome that attach to spindle fibers during mitosis.

Centrosomes

Organelles that serve as the main microtubule organizing centers during cell division.

Centromeres

The region of a chromosome where sister chromatids are joined together.

Cytokinesis

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

Cleavage furrow

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

Cell plate

The structure that forms during cytokinesis in plant cells to divide the cell.

G0 phase

A resting state of the cell cycle where the cell is not actively preparing to divide.

Cell cycle control points

Regulatory points in the cell cycle that ensure proper cell division.

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death that helps maintain tissue homeostasis.