Mitosis, Meiosis, and Nondisjunction Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and concepts from the lecture notes on Mitosis, Meiosis, and Nondisjunction.

Sister chromatids

Identical copies of DNA made during DNA replication.

Chromatin

The form of DNA found in cells that are not dividing, allowing instructions for making proteins.

Mutation

A change in the DNA nucleotide sequence often caused by DNA damage, mis-repair, radiation, or chemicals.

Histone

A protein associated with DNA that helps package it into a compact form.

Interphase

The phase of the cell cycle where cell growth and metabolism occur, alongside DNA replication in the S phase.

Prophase

The stage in mitosis where chromosomes condense and the nuclear envelope disappears.

Metaphase

The stage in mitosis where chromosomes line up in the middle of the cell.

Anaphase

The stage in mitosis where sister chromatids are pulled to opposite ends of the cell.

Telophase

The stage in mitosis where chromosomes de-condense and the nuclear envelope reforms.

Cytokinesis

The process that occurs at the end of cell division, separating the two daughter cells.

Meiosis I

The first division in meiosis that reduces the chromosome number by half, producing two cells.

Meiosis II

The second division in meiosis where sister chromatids separate to form four unique gametes.

Crossing over

The exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during prophase I of meiosis.

Polar bodies

Cells produced during oogenesis that degrade and do not develop into eggs.

Spermatogenesis

The process of gamete formation in males, producing sperm cells.

Oogenesis

The process of gamete formation in females, resulting in egg cells.

Cell Cycle Checkpoints

Regulatory points in the cell cycle that monitor the condition of the cell and its DNA.

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death that occurs if a cell cannot fix a DNA problem.