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Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the lecture notes on cell division, meiosis, and gametogenesis.
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Cell division
Process by which a parent cell divides to form daughter cells; enables growth, development, and tissue repair.
Cell cycle
Sequence of phases a cell passes through from one division to the next, including interphase and the mitotic phase.
Interphase
Phase of the cell cycle when the cell grows and DNA is replicated in preparation for division.
G1 phase
First gap phase; cell grows and carries out normal functions.
S phase
Synthesis phase; DNA is replicated.
G2 phase
Second gap phase; cell prepares for mitosis.
Mitosis
Nuclear division producing two genetically identical diploid daughter nuclei.
Cytokinesis
Cytoplasm divides, yielding separate daughter cells; often overlaps with telophase.
Prophase (mitosis)
Chromosomes condense, spindle forms, and the nuclear envelope breaks down.
Metaphase (mitosis)
Chromosomes align along the metaphase plate at the cell’s equator.
Anaphase (mitosis)
Sister chromatids separate and are pulled to opposite poles.
Telophase (mitosis)
Nuclei reform around separated chromatids; chromosomes de-condense.
Meiosis
Nuclear division that reduces chromosome number by half to produce haploid gametes; introduces genetic variation.
Meiosis I
First meiotic division; homologous chromosomes separate, often with crossing-over.
Meiosis II
Second meiotic division; sister chromatids separate, producing four haploid cells.
Prophase I
Homologous chromosomes pair (synapsis) and crossing-over occurs at chiasmata.
Metaphase I
Homologous chromosome pairs align at the metaphase plate.
Anaphase I
Homologous chromosomes separate to opposite poles; sister chromatids stay together.
Telophase I
Nuclei may reform; cytoplasm divides; two haploid cells result.
Prophase II
New spindle forms in each haploid cell; chromosomes condense again.
Metaphase II
Chromosomes line up at the equator with centromeres attached to spindle.
Anaphase II
Sister chromatids separate and move to opposite poles.
Telophase II
Nuclei form around chromatids; cytoplasm divides to yield four haploid gametes.
Crossing-over
Exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during Prophase I; increases variation.
Chiasmata
Points where crossing-over occurs between homologous chromosomes.
Homologous chromosomes
Chromosome pairs that carry the same genes in corresponding positions; one from each parent.
Sister chromatids
Two identical copies of a chromosome that are held together at the centromere.
Centromere
Region of a chromosome where sister chromatids are held together and where kinetochores attach.
Kinetochore
Protein structure at the centromere that attaches chromosomes to spindle microtubules.
Spindle
Microtubule-based structure that separates chromosomes during cell division.
Centrosome
Organizes the spindle apparatus; in animals it contains a pair of centrioles.
Gametogenesis
Process of forming mature gametes (sperm or eggs) from germ cells.
Spermatogenesis
Production of sperm in the testes from spermatogonia to mature spermatozoa.
Spermatogonium
Primordial germ cell in the testis that divides to form primary spermatocytes.
Primary spermatocyte
Diploid cell that enters meiosis I to produce secondary spermatocytes.
Secondary spermatocyte
Haploid cell produced after meiosis I; immediately enters meiosis II.
Spermatids
Haploid cells produced after meiosis II that mature into sperm.
Spermatozoa
Mature sperm cells capable of fertilization.
Spermiogenesis
Maturation of spermatids into elongated sperm.
Spermiation
Release of mature sperm into the lumen of seminiferous tubules.
Oogenesis
Gamete production in the ovaries; formation of oocytes and ova.
Oocyte
Female gamete; egg cell produced by oogenesis.
Ovulation
Release of a mature oocyte from the ovary into the fallopian tube.
Diploid (2n)
Cell with two complete sets of chromosomes; typical for somatic cells.
Haploid (n)
Cell with one complete set of chromosomes; typical for gametes.
Turner syndrome
Sex chromosome disorder (monosomy X) in females; features vary, often including short stature and infertility.
XXY syndrome
Klinefelter syndrome; presence of an extra X chromosome in males.