Meiosis and Mitosis

Mitosis

The process of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells from a single parent cell.

Meiosis

A specialized form of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in four genetically diverse gametes.

Mitosis

The process of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells from a single parent cell.

Meiosis

A specialized form of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in four genetically diverse gametes.

Interphase

The phase of the cell cycle during which a cell spends most of its life, preparing for mitosis or meiosis.

Cytokinesis

The division of the cytoplasm that occurs at the end of mitosis or meiosis, resulting in two separate cells.

Chromosome

A thread-like structure made of DNA and protein that contains genetic information.

Chromatid

Each of the two DNA copies that make up a duplicated chromosome.

Centromere

The region of a chromosome where the two sister chromatids are joined together.

Spindle fibers

Protein structures that help pull apart the chromosomes during cell division.

Diploid

A cell that contains two sets of chromosomes, one from each parent.

Haploid

A cell that contains only one set of chromosomes.

Gamete

A reproductive cell that unites with another gamete during fertilization.

Crossing over

The exchange of chromosome segments between homologous chromosomes during meiosis.

Independent assortment

The random distribution of maternal and paternal chromosomes into gametes during meiosis.

Tetrad

A group of four chromatids formed during meiosis by the pairing of homologous chromosomes.

Polar bodies

Small cells that are produced during meiosis in females that do not develop into ova.

Zygote

The fertilized egg that results from the union of two gametes.

Stem cells

Undifferentiated cells that have the potential to develop into many different cell types.

Apoptosis

The process of programmed cell death that occurs in multicellular organisms.

Gene expression

The process by which information from a gene is used to synthesize a functional gene product, usually proteins.

Mutation

A change in the DNA sequence of a gene that can lead to changes in the structure or function of the resulting protein.

Phenotype

The observable characteristics or traits of an organism, determined by its genetic makeup.