Cell Division: Mitosis vs. Meiosis

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering the key concepts of mitosis, meiosis, and human genetics based on the lecture transcript.

Mitosis (Function)

The process used by sexually reproducing organisms for growth and maintenance.

Meiosis (Function)

The process used by sexually reproducing organisms for reproduction.

Mitotic spindle

Microtubules that guide the separation of $2$ sets of chromosomes.

Centrosomes

Structures from which spindle microtubules grow during mitosis.

Stages of Mitosis (Order)

Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase.

Cytokinesis

The process that divides the cytoplasm, usually beginning during telophase.

Cleavage furrow

An appearance that marks the beginning of cytokinesis in animal cells.

Cell plate

A membranous disk that forms during cytokinesis in plant cells.

Cell cycle control system

Specialized proteins that integrate information and send "stop" and "go" signals at key points during the cell cycle.

Cancer

A disease of the cell cycle where cells do not respond normally to the cell cycle control system.

Sexual Reproduction

Reproduction that depends on meiosis and fertilization, resulting in offspring with unique combinations of genes.

Human somatic cell

A cell containing $46$ chromosomes, consisting of $22$ pairs of autosomes and $2$ different sex chromosomes ($X$ & $Y$).

Autosomes

The $22$ pairs of matching chromosomes found in a human somatic cell.

Sex chromosomes

The $2$ chromosomes ($X$ and $Y$) that determine an individual's sex.

Homologous chromosomes

Matching pairs of chromosomes that can possess different versions (alleles) of the same genes.

Karyotype

An image that reveals an orderly arrangement of chromosomes.

Diploid

An organism or stage containing $2$ sets of chromosomes.

Haploid

Cells, such as gametes, that contain only one set of chromosomes ($n$).

Gametes

Haploid cells produced by meiosis for use in sexual life cycles.

Crossing over

An event occurring during Prophase I of meiosis where homologous chromosomes exchange genetic material.