Ch. 6 Cell Division and DNA Replication

This set of flashcards covers essential vocabulary related to eukaryotic cell division and DNA replication, including processes, enzymes, and structures involved.

Interphase

The phase of the cell cycle where a cell spends 90% of its life, growing, performing normal functions, and duplicating chromosomes.

Mitosis

The process of cell division that results in the division of one nucleus into two genetically identical daughter nuclei.

Cytokinesis

The division of the cytoplasm, resulting in two separate cells.

Mitotic Spindle

A structure made of microtubules that segregates chromosomes during cell division.

Sister Chromatids

Two identical copies of a chromosome, connected by a centromere.

DNA Polymerase

An enzyme that synthesizes new strands of DNA by adding nucleotides to the growing strand.

Okazaki Fragments

Short, newly synthesized DNA fragments that are formed on the lagging strand during DNA replication.

Topoisomerase

An enzyme that alleviates torsional stress in DNA during replication by causing breaks in the DNA strands.

Telomeres

Repeated DNA sequences at the ends of chromosomes that prevent them from shortening during replication.

Antiparallel

The orientation of the two strands of DNA, where one runs 5' to 3' and the other runs 3' to 5'.

Replication Fork

The area where the double helix of DNA is unwound and replication occurs.

Primase

An enzyme that synthesizes RNA primers to provide a starting point for DNA polymerase.

Nuclear Envelope

A double membrane that surrounds and protects the nucleus of a eukaryotic cell.

Gene Expression

The process by which information from a gene is used to synthesize a functional gene product, usually a protein.

Cleavage Furrow

The indentation that forms during cytokinesis in animal cells, helping to separate two daughter cells.