Chapter 10- Mitosis and Cellular Reproduction

somatic cell

A non-reproductive cell that makes up most of the body's tissues and organs.

haploid

A cell that contains one complete set of chromosomes, typically found in gametes.

homologous chromosomes

Pairs of chromosomes that have the same structure and gene sequence, one inherited from each parent.

cytokinesis

The process during cell division where the cytoplasm divides, resulting in two daughter cells.

centrioles

Cylindrical structures that play a role in cell division by helping to organize the mitotic spindle.

Cdks

Cyclin-dependent kinases, enzymes that regulate the cell cycle by phosphorylating target proteins.

tumor suppressor gene

A gene that protects a cell from one step on the path to cancer; when mutated, it can lead to uncontrolled cell growth.

gamete

A reproductive cell (sperm or egg) that is haploid and unites with another gamete during fertilization.

mitosis

The process of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells from a single parent cell.

sister chromatids

Identical copies of a chromosome, connected by a centromere, that are formed during DNA replication.

cleavage furrow

The indentation that begins the process of cytokinesis in animal cells, leading to cell division.

histone proteins

Proteins that help package and order DNA into structural units called nucleosomes.

proto-oncogene

A normal gene that can become an oncogene due to mutations or increased expression.

kinetochore

A protein structure on the chromosome where the spindle fibers attach during cell division.

diploid

A cell that contains two complete sets of chromosomes, one from each parent.

chromatin

The complex of DNA and proteins that forms chromosomes within the nucleus of eukaryotic cells.

centromere

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

cell plate

A structure that forms during cytokinesis in plant cells, leading to the separation of the daughter cells.

cyclin

A regulatory protein that controls the progression of the cell cycle by activating Cdks.

cancer

A disease characterized by uncontrolled cell division and the ability of these cells to invade other tissues.