When? DNA replication occurs in the S-phase of interphase before cell division.
Why? To ensure genetic information is accurately passed to daughter cells.
How?
Unwinding: Helicase unzips the DNA double helix.
Base Pairing: Complementary nucleotides match up (A-T, C-G).
Strand Synthesis: DNA polymerase builds new strands using original strands as templates.
Ligase: Seals Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand.
Mitosis is a cell division that produces new genetically identical daughter cells from a parent cell (2 identical diploids and has no genetic variations). It is vital in the repair and replacement of damaged cells
Stages of Mitosis
Prophase – Chromosomes condense, spindle fibers form, nuclear envelope breaks down.
Metaphase – Chromosomes align at the metaphase plate.
Anaphase – Sister chromatids separate and move to opposite poles.
Telophase – Nuclear envelope reforms, chromosomes decondense.
Cytokinesis – Cytoplasm divides, forming two identical daughter cells.
Meiosis is a 2 cell division creating 4 genetically unique parent cell (4 different haploid cells) there are genetic variations and there are crossing overs.
Meiosis I (Reduction Division)
Prophase I – Homologous chromosomes pair up (synapsis) and exchange genetic material (crossing over).
Metaphase I – Homologous chromosome pairs align in the middle (independent assortment).
Anaphase I – Homologous chromosomes (not sister chromatids) separate.
Telophase I & Cytokinesis – Two haploid (n) cells form, each with half the chromosome number.
Prophase II – Chromosomes condense, spindle fibers form.
Metaphase II – Chromosomes align at the equator.
Anaphase II – Sister chromatids separate.
Telophase II & Cytokinesis – Four haploid (n) gametes are formed.
Four genetically unique haploid gametes.
Each gamete has half the number of chromosomes as the original cell.
Helicase - Unwinds and separates DNA strands.
Primase - Lays down RNA primers for DNA polymerase to begin process
Polymerase - adds new matching daughter diploids and connects them
Ligase - sticks the lagging strands together to make one continuous strand.
G1 Phase: Cell grows, prepares for DNA replication.
G1 Checkpoint: Ensures the cell is large enough and DNA is undamaged.
S Phase: DNA replication occurs.
G2 Phase: Prepares for mitosis, checks for replication errors.
G2 Checkpoint: Ensures DNA replication is complete.
M Phase: Mitosis (division of the nucleus) and cytokinesis (division of the cytoplasm).
M Checkpoint: Ensures chromosomes are correctly attached to spindle fibers.
Diploid (2n): Two sets of chromosomes (e.g., human somatic cells have 46 chromosomes).
Haploid (n): One set of chromosomes (e.g., gametes have 23 chromosomes in humans).
Crossing Over (Prophase I): Homologous chromosomes exchange genetic material, creating recombinant chromosomes.
Independent Assortment (Metaphase I): Random orientation of homologous pairs leads to different chromosome combinations in gametes.
Nondisjunction: Failure of homologous chromosomes (Meiosis I) or sister chromatids (Meiosis II) to separate properly.
Leads to aneuploidy (abnormal chromosome numbers), e.g., Down syndrome (trisomy 21).
Homeostasis: Maintaining a stable internal environment.
Negative Feedback: Restores balance (e.g., sweating to lower body temperature).
Positive Feedback: Amplifies change (e.g., contractions in childbirth).
Endotherms (warm-blooded): Regulate body temperature internally (e.g., humans, birds).
Ectotherms (cold-blooded): Depend on external temperatures (e.g., reptiles, amphibians).
Too Hot:
Vasodilation: Blood vessels widen, increasing heat loss.
Sweating: Evaporation cools the body.
Too Cold:
Vasoconstriction: Blood vessels constrict, reducing heat loss.
Shivering: Muscle contractions generate heat.
Goosebumps: Hair stands up to trap heat.
Clearly labeled diagrams.
Step-by-step representation.
Arrows to indicate movement (e.g., DNA replication, mitosis, meiosis).
Different colors to highlight key structures.
Claim: Clearly state the answer to a question.
Evidence: Provide data, experimental results, or factual information.
Reasoning: Explain how the evidence supports the claim using scientific concepts.