Study Guide for DNA, Chromosomes, and Cell Division

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to DNA, chromosomes, and the cell division process, based on the study guide provided.

What is DNA made from?

DNA is made from monomers called nucleotides.

What are the components of a nucleotide?

A nucleotide is made from a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogen base.

What is the shape of DNA?

The shape of DNA is a double helix.

What is the base pairing rule in DNA?

A pairs with T and C pairs with G.

What happens during DNA replication?

The DNA double helix separates and each strand serves as a template to create a complementary strand.

What’s the structure of a chromosome?

A chromosome is made of two sister chromatids joined at a centromere

How much genetic information does DNA contain in a cell or organism

DNA contains all the genetic information for a cell or organism

What’s the cell cycle?

The series of stages a cell goes through to grow and divide.

What’s the order of the cell cycle?

Interphase → Mitosis → Cytokinesis

What happens in G1 phase of interphase?

Cell grows and carries out normal functions.

What happens in S phase of interphase?

DNA gets copied.

What happens in G2 phase of interphase?

Cell prepares for mitosis.

What happens in prophase of mitosis?

Chromosomes condense; nuclear membrane breaks down.

What happens in metaphase of mitosis?

Chromosomes line up in the middle of the cell.

What happens in anaphase of mitosis?

Sister chromatids separate to opposite sides.

What happens in telophase of mitosis?

Two identical nuclei form.

What happens during cytokinesis (last step of cell cycle)?

Cytoplasm divides, forming two identical cells.

What happens in the cell cycle?

Growth → chromosomes split apart → cell divides

What’s the chromosome number after mitosis

Each daughter cell has the same number of chromosomes as the original cell

What happens if there is 1 cell with 46 chromosomes and it goes through mitosis?

That 1 cell with 46 chromosomes becomes 2 cells with 46 identical chromosomes

What is the shape of DNA?

The shape of DNA is a double helix.

Homologous Chromosomes

A pair of chromosomes with the same genes, one from each parent

Autosomal Chromosomes

Chromosomes that are not sex chromosomes (pairs 1-22)

Sex Chromosomes

Chromosomes that determine biological sex (X and Y)

Karyotype

Organized picture of all chromosomes in a cell

Double helix

Twisted ladder shape of DNA

Chromatin

Loose form of DNA found in the nucleus when the cell is not dividing

Centriole

Structure that helps organize spindle fibers during mitosis

Spindle Fibers

Fibers that pull chromosomes apart during mitosis

Centromere

Region where sister chromatids are joined

Sister Chromatids

Identical copies of a chromosome joined at the centromere