CELL DIVISION

Asexual Reproduction

The production of offspring from a single parent without the involvement of gametes, resulting in genetically identical offspring.

Binary Fission

A form of asexual reproduction in bacteria where the DNA is copied and the cell splits into two equal halves.

Chromosome

A long continuous thread of DNA, coiled with proteins, that carries genetic information; humans have 46 chromosomes.

Chromatid

Each strand of a duplicated chromosome; chromatids are held together by a centromere.

Telomeres

Structures at the ends of DNA molecules that prevent chromosome ends from attaching to each other and protect genetic information.

Interphase

The growth period of the cell cycle, consisting of Gap 1 (G1), Synthesis (S), and Gap 2 (G2) phases.

Mitosis

The stage of the cell cycle in which the nucleus and genetic material divide, resulting in two daughter cells with identical genetic material.

Cytokinesis

The division of the cytoplasm in a cell, which occurs after mitosis.

G1 Phase

The phase in which the cell carries out normal metabolic functions and increases in size.

Synthesis Phase (S)

The phase of the cell cycle in which the cell makes a copy of its genetic material.

G2 Phase

The phase of the cell cycle where cells continue to grow and prepare for mitosis.

Chromatin

A complex of DNA, proteins, and RNA that packages DNA efficiently into the nucleus of a cell.

Gene Expression

The process by which information from a gene is used to synthesize functional gene products, such as proteins.

Cell Cycle Checkpoint

Critical points in the cell cycle where the cell assesses if it is ready to proceed to the next stage.

Rate of Cell Division

The speed at which cells divide, which varies among different organisms and cell types.