Cell Division and Genetics Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover key concepts related to cell division, meiosis, mitosis, and genetic processes as outlined in the lecture notes.

What is cell division?

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

What are the three reasons cells divide?

Growth, repair, and reproduction.

What is apoptosis?

Programmed cell death - a normal cellular process.

What is necrosis?

Premature death of cells caused by infection, toxins, or trauma.

What are chromosomes?

DNA wrapped around proteins called histones.

How many strands do DNA and RNA have?

DNA is double-stranded, while RNA is single-stranded.

What is a karyotype?

A picture of all the chromosomes in a cell arranged in pairs.

What is the significance of a karyotype?

It provides useful information about the full set of 46 chromosomes and structural changes.

What are the phases of mitotic cell division?

Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, and Telophase.

What occurs during the G1 Phase of the cell cycle?

Growth phase where the cell synthesizes proteins necessary for division.

What happens during the S phase of the cell cycle?

Each chromosome is replicated to produce identical copies.

What is the role of DNA helicase in DNA replication?

It unwinds the DNA, creating a replication fork.

What is the role of DNA polymerase in DNA replication?

It binds nucleotides to template strands, synthesizing new DNA strands.

What happens during prophase?

The nuclear membrane dissolves, and the mitotic spindle appears.

What happens during metaphase?

Sister chromatids align at the metaphase plate, and spindle fibers attach.

What happens during anaphase?

Sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite ends of the cell.

What occurs during telophase?

The nuclear membrane reforms, and the cell begins to divide (cytokinesis).

What is Meiosis?

A unique form of cell division that generates gametes (sperm and egg).

What is gametogenesis?

The process of sperm (spermatogenesis) and egg (oogenesis) production via meiosis.

How does maternal age affect fertility?

Increased risks include failed fertilization, miscarriage, and genetic disorders like Down syndrome.

What is oocyte cryopreservation?

A procedure to freeze eggs, allowing women to preserve egg quality.

What is In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF)?

A reproductive procedure where an egg is fertilized by sperm outside of the body.

What are haploid and diploid cells?

Haploid cells contain a single set of chromosomes, while diploid cells contain two sets.

How many rounds of DNA replication occur in mitosis and meiosis?

Both involve one round of DNA replication.

What happens during crossing over in meiosis?

Non-sister chromatids exchange genetic material, increasing genetic variation.

What are the end products of spermatogenesis and oogenesis?

Spermatogenesis produces four functional sperm, whereas oogenesis produces one functional ovum and three polar bodies.

How does timing differ between spermatogenesis and oogenesis?

Spermatogenesis starts at puberty and continues throughout life; oogenesis begins before birth and completes after fertilization.

What does a karyotype analysis evaluate?

It assesses the complete set of chromosomes, identifies structural changes, and screens for chromosomal anomalies.