Biology Ch.11.1

What are some of the difficulties a cell faces as it increases in size?

The larger a cell becomes, the less efficient it is in moving nutrients and waste materials across its cell membrane. In addition, as a cell grows, it places increasing demands on its own DNA.

Cell division

The process by which a cell divides into two new daughter cells.

Asexual reproduction

The production of genetically identical offspring from a single parent.

Sexual reproduction

The production in which cells from two parents unite to form the first cell of a new organism.

How do asexual and sexual reproduction compare?

Offspring produced by sexual reproduction inherit some of their genetic information from each parent.

Chromosomes

Structures that carry genetic information in the form of genes, found in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells.

Chromatin

The substance that makes up chromosomes, consisting of DNA and proteins, and is found in the nucleus during interphase.

Cell cycle

The series of phases that a cell goes through from one division to the next, including interphase and mitosis.

Interphase