Chapter 11 Vocabulary

Cell division

Process in which a cell divides into two new daughter cells.

Asexual reproduction

Process of reproduction involving a single parent that results in offspring that are genetically identical to the parent.

Sexual reproduction

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

Chromosome

Threadlike structure within the nucleus that contains genetic information that is passed on from generation to the next.

Chromatin

Substance found in eukaryotic chromosomes that consists of DNA tightly coiled around histones.

Cell cycle

Series of events in which a cell grows, prepares for division, and divides to form two daughter cells.

Interphase

Period of the cell cycle between cell divisions in which the cell grows.

Mitosis

Part of eukaryotic cell division during which the cell nucleus divides.

Cytokinesis

Division of the cytoplasm to form two separate daughter cells.

Prophase

First and longest phase of mitosis in which the genetic material inside the nucleus condenses and the chromosomes become visible.

Chromatid

One of two identical 'sister' parts of a duplicated chromosome.

Centromere

Region of a chromosome where the two sister chromatids attach.

Centriole

Structure in an animal cell that helps to organize cell division.

Metaphase

Phase of mitosis in which the chromosomes line up across the center of the cell.

Anaphase

Phase of mitosis in which the chromosomes separate and move to opposite ends of the cell.

Telophase

Phase of mitosis in which the individual chromosomes begin to spread out into a tangle of chromatin.

Growth factor

One of a group of external regulatory proteins that stimulate the growth and division of cells.

Cyclin

One of a family of proteins that regulates the cell cycle in eukaryotic cells.

Apoptosis

The process of programmed cell death.

Cancer

Disorder in which some of the body’s cells lose the ability to control growth.

Tumor

Mass of rapidly dividing cells that can damage surrounding tissues.

Embryo

Developing stage of a multicellular organism.

Differentiation

Process in which cells become specialized in structure and function.

Totipotent

Cells that are able to develop into any type of cell found in the body.

Blastocyst

Stage of early development in mammals that consists of a hollow ball of cells.

Pluripotent

Cells that are capable of developing into most, but not all, of the body’s cell types.

Stem cell

Unspecialized cell that can give rise to one or more types of specialized cells.

Multipotent

Cell with limited potential to develop into many types of differentiated cells.