Studied by 3 people
based on study guide
Cell reproduction
The process by which cells divide and replicate to produce new cells, essential for growth, repair, and maintenance of organisms.
Cell theory
A fundamental principle that states: (1) all living organisms are composed of one or more cells, (2) the cell is the basic unit of life, and (3) all cells arise from pre-existing cells.
Parent cell
The original cell that undergoes division to produce one or more daughter cells.
Daughter cell
The new cells that are the result of cell division from a parent cell, typically identical to the parent in asexual reproduction.
Cell Cycle
The series of phases that a cell goes through from its formation until it divides, consisting of interphase (G1, S, G2) and mitotic phase (mitosis and cytokinesis).
Asexual reproduction
A mode of reproduction that involves a single organism producing offspring that are genetically identical to itself, without the involvement of gametes.
Sexual reproduction
A reproduction process that involves the combination of genetic material from two parent organisms, usually involving the formation of gametes (sperm and egg).
Chromosome
Structures made of DNA and protein that contain genetic information; humans have 46 __________ organized into 23 pairs.
Centromere
The region of a chromosome where sister chromatids are joined together; it plays a key role during cell division
Sister Chromatids
Identical copies of a chromosome that are connected by a centromere, formed during DNA replication.
Chromatin
The complex of DNA and proteins that make up chromosomes in eukaryotic cells; it exists in a less condensed form during interphase.
Somatic cell
Any cell in the body that is not a gamete; ________ are diploid in organisms like humans.
Gamete
A reproductive cell (sperm in males and egg in females) that carries haploid genetic information, essential for sexual reproduction.
Homologous chromosomes
Pairs of chromosomes that have the same structure and genetic content, one inherited from each parent.
Mitosis
A type of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells, consisting of several phases: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.
Meiosis
A specialized form of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, producing four genetically distinct haploid gametes.
Interphase
The longest phase of the cell cycle, during which the cell prepares for division by growing and duplicating its DNA
Prophase
The first stage of mitosis, where chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes, the nuclear envelope breaks down, and spindle fibers begin to form.
Spindle tracks
Protein structures that form during cell division to segregate chromosomes into the daughter cells; they are made up of microtubules.
Metaphase
The stage of mitosis where chromosomes align at the cell's equatorial plane, ensuring proper separation during the next phase.
Anaphase
The stage of mitosis where sister chromatids are pulled apart and move toward opposite poles of the cell.
Haploid
A cell that contains a single set of chromosomes (n), characteristic of gametes in sexually reproducing organisms.
Diploid
contains two complete sets of chromosomes, one from each parent; in humans, __________ cells have a total of 46 chromosomes, organized into 23 pairs, which include 22 pairs of autosomes and one pair of sex chromosomes.
Autosomes
Chromosomes that do not determine the sex of an organism; humans have 22 pairs of ____________.
Sex chromosomes
Chromosomes that determine the sex of an individual; in humans, these are represented as X and Y chromosomes.
Tetrad
A structure formed during prophase I of meiosis in which two homologous chromosomes (each consisting of two sister chromatids) pair closely together, allowing for genetic recombination through processes such as crossing over. ______ consist of four chromatids in total.
Crossing over
The exchange of segments between chromatids of homologous chromosomes during prophase I of meiosis
Independent assortment
The principle stating that the alleles for different genes segregate independently of one another during gamete formation.
nondisjunction
An error in cell division that leads to the failure of homologous chromosomes or sister chromatids to separate properly, resulting in gametes with abnormal chromosome numbers.
