Chapter 8: Cellular Division and Genetics

Vocabulary flashcards covering the relationships between genes and DNA, the mechanics of the cell cycle, prokaryotic reproduction, and the regulation of cellular division.

Genome

The complete set of genetic material or DNA present within an organism.

Karyotype

A visual representation of an individual's chromosomes used to determine if the set is a "typical" example.

Gene Expression

The process by which information from a gene is used to create functional products, explaining why different types of cells exist despite having the same DNA.

Apoptosis

A process of controlled cell death that is necessary for biological health and relating to the accumulation of mutations.

Binary Fission

The method of cellular division and asexual reproduction used by prokaryotes.

Horizontal Transfer

Methods used by prokaryotes to acquire new genes from other organisms, which contributes to genetic diversity.

Chromatin

The decondensed form of DNA and proteins found within the nucleus during certain stages of the cell cycle.

Chromosomes

The highly condensed form of DNA and proteins that are visible during cellular division.

Homologous Chromosomes

Pairs of chromosomes that have the same genes and characteristics.

Centromere

The specialized region of a chromosome where two sister chromatids are joined together.

Sister Chromatids

Identical copies of a chromosome produced during DNA replication that exist together before being separated.

Daughter Chromosomes

The name given to chromosomes once sister chromatids have separated during the cell cycle.

Centrosome

An organelle that serves as the main microtubule organizing center and is critical to the function of the cell cycle.

Kinetochore

A protein structure found on the centromere of chromosomes where microtubules attach during cell division.

Microtubules

Structural components of the cytoskeleton that are critical for chromosome movement during the cell cycle.

Microfilaments

Cytoskeletal elements that are critical to cell function and division, specifically during cytokinesis.

Cytokinesis

The final stage of the cell cycle where the cytoplasm of a single eukaryotic cell divides into two daughter cells.

Cell-cycle checkpoints

Regulatory points where the cell cycle can be halted to ensure conditions are favorable or to repair damage; failure to regulate these links to disease.

Tumors

Masses of tissue formed by unregulated and abnormal cell division.

Metastasis

The process by which cancer cells spread from the original tumor site to other parts of the body.