Chapter 8: Chromosomes and Cell Division—Continuity and Variety

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to cell division, including mitosis and meiosis, as well as cancer and genetic variation.

Cell Division

The process by which a parent cell divides into two or more daughter cells.

Prokaryotic Cells

Cells without a nucleus, which divide mainly through binary fission.

Eukaryotic Cells

Cells that contain a nucleus and complex structures, which divide through mitosis and meiosis.

Mitosis

A type of cell division that results in two identical daughter cells, important for growth and repair.

Meiosis

A specialized form of cell division that produces gametes with half the chromosome number of the parent cell.

Telomeres

Protective caps at the ends of chromosomes that limit cell division.

Cell Cycle

The series of events that take place in a cell leading to its division and duplication.

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death that helps eliminate damaged or unnecessary cells.

Gametes

Reproductive cells (sperm and eggs) produced through meiosis.

Cancer

A disease characterized by uncontrolled cell division.

Mutations

Changes in the DNA sequence that can lead to cancer or other disorders.

Crossing Over

The process during meiosis where homologous chromosomes exchange genetic material, increasing variation.

Karyotype

A display of an individual's chromosomes used to detect chromosomal abnormalities.

Chimera

An organism composed of two genetically distinct cell lineages.

Benign Tumor

A non-cancerous growth that does not invade surrounding tissue.

Malignant Tumor

A cancerous growth that can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body.