Topic 4: Mitosis and Protein Synthesis Regents Review

Vocabulary flashcards for key terms related to Mitosis, Protein Synthesis, and related genetic concepts.

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)

Molecule that stores genetic information.

Nucleotide

The building block of DNA; consists of a sugar, phosphate, and nitrogen base.

Deoxyribose

The sugar in DNA nucleotides.

Adenine

A nitrogen base that pairs with thymine in DNA.

Thymine

A nitrogen base that pairs with adenine in DNA.

Cytosine

A nitrogen base that pairs with guanine.

Guanine

A nitrogen base that pairs with cytosine.

Uracil

A nitrogen base in RNA that replaces thymine.

Double Helix

The twisted ladder shape of the DNA molecule.

Replication

Process by which DNA makes a copy of itself.

Template

The original DNA strand used to build a new strand.

Complement Strand

The new strand formed by matching base pairs to the template.

Messenger RNA (mRNA)

Carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome.

Ribosomal RNA (rRNA)

Makes up part of the ribosome.

Transfer RNA (tRNA)

Carries amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis.

Amino Acid

Building block of proteins.

Transcription

Process of copying DNA into RNA.

Codon

A sequence of three mRNA bases that codes for an amino acid.

Triplet

A group of three DNA bases that corresponds to a codon.

Polypeptide

A chain of amino acids that folds into a protein.

Translation

The process of building a protein using mRNA at the ribosome.

Mutation

A change in the DNA sequence.

Mutagens

Environmental factors that cause mutations (e.g., radiation, chemicals).

Chromosomes

Long strands of DNA containing many genes.

Gene

A section of DNA that codes for a specific trait.

Genetic Counselor

A professional who advises people on inherited conditions.

Interphase

The stage where the cell grows and DNA replicates.

Mitosis

Cell division that produces two identical daughter cells.

Daughter Cells

The two new cells formed after mitosis.

Sister Chromatids

Two identical copies of a chromosome connected at a centromere.

Centromere

The point where sister chromatids are joined.

Centrioles

Organelles that help organize the spindle fibers during mitosis.

Spindle Fibers

Structures that pull chromatids apart.

Cleavage Furrow

The indentation that begins cytokinesis in animal cells.

Cytokinesis

Division of the cytoplasm into two cells.

Asexual Reproduction

Reproduction involving one parent; offspring are genetically identical.

Ameba

A single-celled organism that reproduces by binary fission.

Paramecium

A unicellular organism that can reproduce asexually.

Vegetative Propagation

Asexual reproduction in plants using roots, stems, or leaves.

Binary Fission

A form of asexual reproduction where a cell splits into two.

Budding

A new organism grows off the side of the parent (e.g., yeast, hydra).

Colonies

Groups of genetically identical organisms living together.

Sporulation

Reproduction through spores (e.g., fungi).

Regeneration

Re-growing lost body parts (e.g., starfish).

Cancer

Uncontrolled cell division due to mutations.

Meiosis

Cell division that produces gametes with half the chromosome number.

Diploid (2n)

A cell with a full set of chromosomes (e.g., 46 in humans).

Haploid (n)

A cell with half the number of chromosomes (e.g., 23 in humans).

Homologous Chromosomes

Chromosome pairs, one from each parent, that are similar in shape and size.

46

The diploid chromosome number in humans.

23

The haploid chromosome number in humans.

Gonads

Organs that produce gametes (testes and ovaries).

Testes

Male gonads that produce sperm.

Ovaries

Female gonads that produce eggs.

Gametes

Reproductive cells (sperm and egg).

Sperm

Male sex cell.

Egg/Ovum

Female sex cell.

Fertilization

The joining of a sperm and egg cell to form a zygote.

Zygote

A fertilized egg cell.

Crossing Over

Exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during meiosis.

Variation

Differences between individuals due to genetic recombination.

Genetic Recombination

Mixing of genes during meiosis that increases variation.

Chromosomal Mutation

A change in the structure or number of chromosomes.

Nondisjunction

Failure of chromosomes to separate properly during meiosis.

Trisomy 21

Having three copies of chromosome 21; causes Down syndrome.

Monosomy

Missing one chromosome from a pair.

Polyploidy

Having more than two complete sets of chromosomes.

Gene Linkage

Genes located close together on the same chromosome that tend to be inherited together.

Tissues

Groups of similar cells that perform a specific function.

Organs

Structures made of tissues that perform specific tasks.

System

A group of organs that work together for a common function.

Cell Plate

Structure that forms during plant cell cytokinesis to divide the cell.