Cellular Reproduction, Mitosis, and Genetics

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary related to cellular reproduction, mitosis, cell cycle regulation, and genetics.

Mitosis

A type of cell division that results in two identical daughter cells with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell.

Cytokinesis

The process during cell division where the cytoplasm divides, creating two separate daughter cells.

Interphase

The longest stage of the cell cycle where the cell grows, replicates its DNA, and prepares for division.

Prokaryotic cell division

A simpler form of cell division called binary fission, used by prokaryotic cells, differing from the complex stages of mitosis.

Surface area to volume ratio

A measurement that explains why cells must remain small; higher ratios improve efficiency in transport and communication.

Chromosome

A tightly condensed form of chromatin that carries genetic information; counted by the number of centromeres.

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death which helps to eliminate damaged or unnecessary cells and prevents cancer formation.

Haploid cells

Cells that contain half the number of chromosomes (n), such as sperm and egg cells.

Diploid cells

Cells that contain the full set of chromosomes (2n), such as body (somatic) cells.

Gene linkage

The tendency of genes that are located close to each other on a chromosome to be inherited together.

Meiosis

A type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, creating gametes with genetic variation.

Cyclins and CDKs

Proteins and enzymes that regulate the cell cycle and signal the beginning and end of various stages.