Cell Growth, Divison, and Reproduction

Cell Divison

process by which cell divides into two 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 people unite to form the first cell of a new organism.

Chromosome

threadlike structure of DNA and protein that contains genetic information; in eukaryotes, chromosomes are found in the nucleus; in prokaryotes, they are found in the cytoplasm.

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

Mitosis

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

Cytokinesis

division of the cytoplasm to form two seperate daughter cells.

Prophase

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

Chromatid

one of two identical “sister” parts of a duplicated chromosome.

Centromere

region of a chromosome in which 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 distinct 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 death

Apoptosis

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 tissue

Embryo

developing stage of a multicellular organism

differentiation

process by which cells become specialized in structure and function

Totipotent

cells that are able to develop into any type of cell found in the body (including the cells that make up the extra-embryonic membranes and placenta)

Blastocyst

stage of early development in mammals that consists of hollow balls of cells.

Pluripotent

cells that are capable of development 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 many types of differentiated cells.