Cell Cycle and Biological Sex

Flashcards on key concepts from the cell cycle, biological sex, and related terms.

Genome

The entirety of an organism's DNA.

Chromosome

A DNA molecule that is part of the genetic material of an organism.

Chromatin

Loose, thread-like DNA that is wrapped around histone proteins.

Sister Chromatids

Identical copies of a chromosome that are connected at a centromere.

Somatic Cells

Diploid (2N) body cells that contain two of each type of chromosome.

Haploid

One of each chromosome type, characteristic of sex cells (sperm, egg).

Intersex Individuals

Those for whom sexual development follows an atypical trajectory, exhibiting a diverse range of conditions.

Transgender

A person whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth.

Cisgender

A person whose gender identity matches the sex they were assigned at birth.

Meiosis

The process that creates gametes (sex cells) for sexual reproduction.

Cell Cycle Checkpoints

Regulatory points in the cell cycle that ensure proper division and DNA integrity.

Cyclins

Proteins that drive the progression of the cell cycle.

Proto-oncogene

A positive cell cycle regulator that, when mutated, becomes an oncogene.

Tumor Suppressor Gene

A negative cell cycle regulator that inhibits cyclin, preventing uncontrolled cell growth.

Nondisjunction

Improper separation of homologous chromosomes or sister chromatids during cell division.

Down Syndrome

A condition caused by trisomy 21, resulting from nondisjunction.

Nuclear Envelope

The membrane that surrounds the nucleus and breaks down during mitosis.

Cleavage Furrow

The indentation that begins the process of cytokinesis in animal cells.

Cell Plate

The structure that forms during cytokinesis in plant cells to divide the cytoplasm.

Independent Assortment

The process by which chromosomes are sorted into daughter cells independently during meiosis.

Crossing Over

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

Chromatid

One half of a duplicated chromosome.

Centromere

The region of a chromosome where sister chromatids are joined.