Tutorial Lab 2: DNA Replication, Mitosis, and Meiosis

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and concepts related to DNA replication, mitosis, and meiosis as discussed in the tutorial lab.

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)

The carrier of genetic information comprising two chains of nucleotides.

Double helix

The ladder-like structure formed by two strands of DNA.

Nucleotide

The basic unit of DNA, consisting of a sugar, phosphate group, and nitrogenous base.

Nitrogenous bases

The components of DNA that include adenine, guanine, cytosine, and thymine.

Adenine (A)

One of the four nitrogenous bases found in DNA.

Guanine (G)

One of the four nitrogenous bases that pair with cytosine.

Cytosine (C)

A nitrogenous base in DNA that pairs with guanine.

Thymine (T)

A nitrogenous base that pairs with adenine in DNA.

Hydrogen bonds

The type of bonds that connect complementary nitrogenous bases in DNA.

Complementary base pairing

The specific pairing of adenine with thymine and cytosine with guanine.

Replication fork

The area where the DNA double helix is unwound during replication.

Leading strand

The newly synthesized DNA strand that grows continuously in the 5'-to-3' direction.

Lagging strand

The DNA strand synthesized in short segments that grows away from the replication fork. 3’-5’

Cell cycle

The series of phases that cells go through from division to the next division.

Mitosis

The process of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells.

Cytokinesis

The division of the cytoplasm that occurs alongside mitosis, resulting in two cells.

Interphase

The phase of the cell cycle where the cell is not actively dividing; includes G1, S, and G2 phases.

G1 phase

The first gap phase of interphase focused on cell growth and organelle production.

S phase

The synthesis phase of interphase where DNA is replicated.

G2 phase

The second gap phase where the cell prepares for mitosis.

Prophase

The first phase of mitosis where chromosomes condense and the nuclear envelope breaks down.

Metaphase

The phase of mitosis where chromosomes align at the equatorial plane.

Anaphase

The phase of mitosis where sister chromatids are pulled apart toward opposite poles.

Telophase

The final phase of mitosis where chromosomes de-condense and the nuclear membrane reforms.

Chromatin

The complex of DNA and proteins that condenses to form chromosomes during cell division.

Haploid

The cell condition where it contains half the number of chromosomes as diploid cells.

Diploid

The cell condition where it has two complete sets of chromosomes.

Meiosis

The specialized cell division that reduces chromosome number by half, resulting in gametes.

Tetrad

A group of four chromatids formed by the pairing of homologous chromosomes during meiosis.

Crossing-over

The exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during prophase I of meiosis.

Independent assortment

The random arrangement of chromosomes during meiosis that leads to genetic diversity.

Gametes

The sex cells produced by meiosis, which are haploid.

Centromere

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

Centrioles

The cylindrical structures found in animal cells that help in spindle formation during mitosis.

Spindle fibers

Structures that help separate chromosomes during cell division.

chromosome, centromeres, sister chromosomes, single or double stranded in each phase

2n=6	P	M	A	T
# of chromosomes	6	6	12	6
# of centromeres	6	6	12	6
# of sister chromatids	12	12	0	0
Single/Double strand	D	D	S	S