Biology 3201 Midterm

Ultrasound

The use of soundwaves to create an image of a fetus.

Cell Cycle

The life cycle of a cell.

Somatic Cell

Any cell not used for reproduction AKA body cells.

Gamete Cell

Cells used for reproduction AKA sex cells.

Parent Cell

An original cell before cell division.

Daughter Cell

Identical cells that are produced as a result of mitosis who are also identical to the original parent cell.

Chromosomes

A long strand of condensed DNA held within the cells nucleus.

Chromatin

DNA in its non condensed form.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid that carries genetic information.

G1 Phase

A stage of the cell cycle that includes rapid growth and metabolic activity.

S Phase

A stage of the cell cycle where DNA replication and synthesis occurs.

G2 Phase

A stage of the cell cycle where the cell prepares for division.

Mitosis

The division of genetic material and the cells nucleus.

Cytokinesis

The final stage of cell division where the cytoplasm separates and organelles divide into two separate cells.

Interphase

The period of the cell cycle between cell divisions AKA the growth state.

Prophase

The first phase of mitosis where chromatin condenses, the nuclear membrane breaks down, and centrioles move to opposite poles of the cell creating spindle fibers.

Metaphase

The second stage of mitosis where chromosomes line up a the cells equator, spindle fibers attach to the centromere of each chromosome, and each sister chromatid has its own spindle fiber.

Anaphase

The third stage of mitosis where sister chromatids separate and are pulled to opposite poles, and the cell begins to change shape forming a cleavage furrow.

Telophase

The fourth stage of mitosis where chromatids reach opposite poles of the cell, chromatids unwind to become chromatin, spindle fibers break down, and a nuclear membrane forms around each new set of chromosomes.

Cancer

The result of a genetic mutation in genes that control cell divison.

Oncogenes

Mutated genes.

Meiosis

A type of cell division that produces haploid gametes from diploid germ cells in the ovaries and testes.

Reduction Division

Reducing the chromosome number by half.

Recombination

Producing genetically unique gametes.

Meiosis I

The first division of the two-stage process of cell division in sexually reproducing organisms.

Meiosis II

The second division of the two-stage process of cell division in sexually reproducing organisms.

Prophase I

The phase in meiosis where homologous chromosomes align side by side, and synapsis occurs.

Anaphase I

The phase in meiosis where homologous chromosomes are pulled apart and each homologous pair moves to opposite poles of the cell.

Metaphase I

The phase in meiosis where homologous chromosomes line up at the equator of the cell and independent assortment occurs, and spindle fibers from each pole of the cell attach to each chromosome in every homologous pair.

Telophase I

The phase in meiosis where spindle fibers disappear, cytoplasm divides, the nuclear membrane forms around each new group of chromosomes that are haploid in number.

Prophase II

The phase in meiosis where nuclear membrane dissolves, and spindle fibers form.

Anaphase II

The phase in meiosis where the centromeres split, and sister chromatids from each chromosome move to opposite poles of the cell.

Metaphase II

The phase in meiosis where spindle fibers attach to the centromere of each chromosome, and chromosomes line up at the equator of the cell.

Telophase II

The phase of meiosis where the nuclear membrane reforms around each set of 23 unreplicated chromosomes, spindle fibers dissapear , and the cytoplasm divides to form 4 haploid daughter cells.

Homologous

Chromosomes that each have a corresponding chromosome from the opposite-sex parent.

Synapsis

The process by which homologous chromosomes pair up.

Tetrad

Another term for a homologous pair.

Independent Assortment

The random distribution of the pairs of genes on different chromosomes to the gametes.

Crossing Over

The process that occurs during synapsis where the non-sister chromatids in a homologous pair may exchange pieces of their chromosomes.

Spermatogenisis

The formation of sperm AKA meiosis in males.

Spermatogonium

The diploid germ cell where spermatogenisis begins.

Spermatids

Four haploid cells that are produced in spermatogenisis AKA adolescent sperm.

Sperm

The male sex cell.

Oogenesis

The formation of eggs AKA meiosis in females.

Oogonium

The diploid germ cell where oogenisis begins.

Polar Body

A cell produced in oogenisis that is marked for destruction.

Ova (Egg)

The female sex cell.

Acrosome

A cap like structure at the tip of the sperm that produces enzymes used to penetrate the egg during fertilization.

Nucleus

The part of a sperm that contains the genetic material.

Midpiece

The portion of the sperm that holds the mitochondria.

Mitochondria

A part pf the sperm that produces energy for the movement of the sperm.

Flagella

The hairlike structure on the end of the sperm that helps propel the sperm through the female reproductive tract.

Asexual Reproduction

Reproduction that only requires one parent.

Sexual Reproduction

Reproduction that requires two parents.

Binary Fission

A type of asexual reproduction where a bacterial cell copies its DNA and then distributes one complete copy of that DNA into each of two identical daughter cells.

Budding

A form of asexual reproduction in which a new organism develops from an outgrowth on the parent body and later separates to become an independent organism.

Vegetative Reproduction

A form of asexual reproduction in plants where a new plant grows from the growth if a modified stem.

Fragmentation Parthenogenesis

A form of asexual reproduction that involves the development of a new species from a fragment of the parent species.

Spores

A form of asexual reproduction where a cell is able to develop into a new organism.

Virus

An infective agent that is not classified as a living organism and cannot replicate in their own because they require a host.

Lytic Cycle

An active five step process where a virus actively invades and destroys a host cell.

Lysogenic Cycle

A viral life cycle where a virus can use a host to replicate its DNA but the virus itself isn't immediately destroying the host.

Alternation of Generations

The concept that plants (and some animals) alternate between two generations.

Stamen

The male reproductive parts of a flowering plant.

Pollen

Sacs that contain the male genetics in a flowering plant.

Anther

The place where pollen is produced/stored.

Stigma

The sticky structure that captures pollen.

Pistil

The female reproductive parts of a flowering plant.

Filament

Supports the anther.

Style

A stalk that supports the stigma.

Ovary

Base of pitsic/carpel that contains ovules.

Ovules

Sacs that contain female gametes in a flowering plant.

Sepals

Leafs that surround the bud.

Petals

Pollinator attractors.

Double Fertilization

When a flowering plant releases two sperm cells into the ovary and ovules and one sperm fertilizes the egg and one sperm fertilizes the polar nuclei forming a triploid.

Pollination

The transfer of pollen from male reproductive structures to female reproductive structures in flowering plants.

Tube Nucleus

Forms the pollen tube from the stigma to the ovule.

Pollen Tube

A tube that grows and penetrates the ovary and the ovule releasing two sperm cells in flowering plants.

Generative Nucleus

A pollen grain nucleus that divides by mitosis to produce sperm cells.

Endosperm

A triploid cell that is planted within a seed.

Testes

Male reproductive organ that produces sperm and male hormones.

Scrotum

pouch of skin that contains the testes and helps regulate the temperature of the testes for optimal sperm production.

Seminiferous Tubules

Long coiled tubes in the testes where sperm is produced.

Interstitial Cells

Hormone secreting cells that release testosterone.

Epididymis

The duct where sperm matures and becomes motile.

Vas Deferens

A storage duct that is connected to the penis where sperm cells move out of the epididymis and through the vas deferens.

Penis

Male organ for sexual intercourse that releases sperm into the female reproductive tract.

Seminal Vesicles

A gland that secretes mucus like fluid that contains sugar as an energy source for the sperm.

Prostate Gland

A gland that secretes an alkaline fluid that increases the pH in the female reproductive tract, aiding in the protection of sperm.

Cowper's Gland

A gland that secretes a mucus like fluid that aids in lubrication and neutralizing the acidity of any urine in the urethra.

Semen

The combination of sperm and cells.

Ovaries

Female gonads which produce eggs and female hormones.

Follicles

Structures that develop and mature in the ovaries and are responsible for containing an egg.

Fimbraie

Thread like projections that sweep the egg from the ovary to the oviduct.

Fallopian Tubes (Oviducts)

The tube that connects the ovary to the uterus and helps move the egg to the uterus.

Uterus

A muscular organ that holds and nourishes a developing fetus.

Endometrium

The vascular membrane that lines the walk of the uterus and supplies nutrients for the fetus.

Myometrium

The muscular wall of the uterus.

Cervix

Muscular tissue that forms the opening of the uterus to the vagina.

Vagina

The tube that leads from the exterior to the uterus and acts as the entrance for a erect penis to deposit sperm.