Cellular Reproduction (Mitosis)

A collection of flashcards covering key concepts related to cellular reproduction and mitosis in biology.

Unified cell theory

Proposed by Schleiden & Schwann in the late 1830s, stating that all living things are composed of one or more cells and that new cells arise from existing cells.

Mitosis

A form of cellular reproduction where a parent cell divides to produce two genetically identical daughter cells.

Genome

The complete set of DNA within a cell.

Haploid

A cell that contains one set of chromosomes (1n), such as gametes (sperm or egg cells).

Diploid

A cell that contains two sets of chromosomes (2n), typically seen in somatic (body) cells.

Cell cycle

The series of events within a cell from its formation to division, including interphase and mitosis.

Interphase

The phase of the cell cycle during which the cell spends most of its life (~90%), preparing for division through G1, S, and G2 phases.

Prophase

The first stage of mitosis where the nuclear membrane breaks apart, the mitotic spindle begins to form, and chromatin condenses into chromosomes.

Metaphase

The second stage of mitosis where chromosomes align along the equator of the cell.

Anaphase

The third stage of mitosis where sister chromatids are pulled apart towards the poles of the cell.

Telophase

The final stage of mitosis where the chromatids begin to unravel and a nuclear membrane forms around each set of chromosomes.

Cytokinesis

The process that follows mitosis, involving the division of the cytoplasm, resulting in two daughter cells.

Chromosome

A structure that contains DNA, formed by packaging DNA around histone proteins.

Nucleosome

A unit of DNA consisting of a segment of DNA wrapped around a core of histone proteins.

Gene

A nucleotide segment of DNA that codes for making proteins and can affect traits in an organism.