Cell Division and Chromosomes

Vocabulary flashcards covering the cell cycle, chromosomes, DNA replication, and cytochinesis based on the lecture.

Cell cycle

The process through which new cells are generated, representing the life cycle of a cell from the time it was made until it divides into two new cells.

Chromosomes

Coiled up packets of DNA that form when long strings of DNA condense as a cell prepares for division.

Genes

Units contained within the DNA of each chromosome that control the development of different characteristics, such as eye color.

Chromosome arm

Refers to each half of a duplicated X-shaped chromosome, where the DNA on the right half is identical to the left half.

Cell fibers

Structures extending from either side of the cell that attach to their respective half of each chromosome and pull the arms to opposite sides.

Poles

The two opposite sides of the cell toward which cell fibers pull the arms of the split chromosomes.

Cytochinesis

The third and final stage of the cell cycle, also called division, where the cell membrane and cytoplasm pull apart to form two daughter cells.

Daughter cells

The two resulting identical cells created after division, each containing the exact same DNA as each other and the parent cell.

Subsolar structures

Structures within a cell, such as mitochondria and ribosomes, that increase in number during the first stage of the cell cycle.

Human chromosome count

Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, which equals 46 total chromosomes in a eukaryotic human cell.