Cell Reproduction and the Cell Cycle

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions related to cell reproduction and the cell cycle, focusing on both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell division processes.

Binary Fission

The process by which prokaryotic cells reproduce by splitting into two cells after chromosome replication.

Mitosis

The process of nuclear division in eukaryotic cells where the genome is passed on to daughter cells.

Cytokinesis

The division of the cytoplasm of a cell, following mitosis, that produces two daughter cells.

Karyotype

The array of chromosomes in an individual organism, arranged according to size, staining properties, or other features.

Haploid (n)

A cell with one complete set of chromosomes, necessary to define the species.

Diploid (2n)

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

Sister Chromatids

Identical copies of a chromosome, held together at the centromere after DNA replication.

Telophase

The final stage of mitosis where chromosomes decondense and the nuclear envelope reforms.

Spindle Checkpoint

A checkpoint during M phase that ensures all chromosomes are properly aligned at the metaphase plate before anaphase.

Growth Factors

Chemical signals released from cells that stimulate cell growth and reproduction in multicellular organisms.

Oncogene

A mutated form of a proto-oncogene that promotes uncontrolled cell cycle progression.

Tumor Suppressor Genes

Genes that code for proteins that can halt the cell cycle in response to problems, whose inactivation is associated with cancer.

Centromere

The constricted region of a chromosome where sister chromatids are joined and where the kinetochore forms.

Nucleosome

The structural unit of chromatin, consisting of DNA wrapped around a core of histone proteins.

Checkpoints

Regulatory points in the cell cycle that can halt progress under certain conditions to prevent errors.

Contractile Ring

An actin-based structure in animal cells that functions like a purse string during cytokinesis to divide the cytoplasm.

Cell Plate

The structure that forms in plant cells during cytokinesis to separate the two daughter cells.

How do prokaryotic cells reproduce?

Binary Fission

What is the process of nuclear division in eukaryotic cells that passes the genome to daughter cells?

Mitosis

What cellular process follows mitosis and results in two daughter cells?

Cytokinesis

What term describes a cell with one complete set of chromosomes, necessary to define the species?

Haploid (n)

Which checkpoint during M phase ensures all chromosomes are properly aligned at the metaphase plate before anaphase?

Spindle Checkpoint

What is a mutated form of a proto-oncogene that promotes uncontrolled cell cycle progression?

Oncogene

Which genes code for proteins that can halt the cell cycle in response to problems, and whose inactivation is associated with cancer?

Tumor Suppressor Genes

Describe the structural unit of chromatin, consisting of DNA wrapped around a core of histone proteins.

Nucleosome