Biology Chapter on Cell Division and Genetics

The process of cell division that produces two identical daughter cells, each with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell.

The process of cell division that produces four daughter cells, each with half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell.

A specialized type of cell division that produces gametes (sperm and egg) and reduces the number of chromosomes by half.

The two chromosomes in a pair, one from each parent, that have the same genes but may have different alleles.

The two identical copies of a chromosome that are joined together at the centromere.

The process of separating the cytoplasm and forming two new daughter cells during cell division.

Cells that are capable of dividing and giving rise to other cells.

Cells that are involved in sexual reproduction and contain half the number of chromosomes as somatic cells.

The movement of water molecules across a semipermeable membrane from a region of high water concentration to a region of low water concentration. In the potato lab, water moved from the beaker into the potato cells because the potato cells had a higher solute concentration (sugars) than the beaker. This caused the potato to become more firm.

A substance that cannot be further broken down into simpler substances by ordinary chemical means. For example, a sugar molecule is a monomer, while a starch molecule is a polymer made up of many sugar monomers.

A large molecule made up of repeating smaller units called monomers

The process by which living organisms maintain a relatively stable internal environment despite external changes. For example, our bodies maintain a stable body temperature by sweating and shivering, and our blood sugar levels are regulated through hormone production.

Chromosomes that are involved in determining the sex of an individual. In humans, the sex chromosomes are X and Y. Females have two X chromosomes, while males have one X and one Y chromosome.

Sister chromatids are identical copies of a chromosome that are joined together at the centromere, while homologous chromosomes are pairs of chromosomes that carry the same genes but may have different alleles. They are not identical copies of each other. They are separated during meiosis I, while sister chromatids are separated during meiosis II.

Homologous chromosomes separate during Anaphase I of meiosis.

The dependent variable is the variable that is measured or observed in an experiment. It's the outcome of the experiment. It is always plotted on the Y-axis.

The independent variable is the variable that is changed or manipulated by the experimenter. It's the cause in the experiment. It is always plotted on the X-axis.

A constant is a factor that is kept the same throughout an experiment. It ensures that only the independent variable is affecting the dependent variable. For example, in an experiment testing the effect of different fertilizers on plant growth, the amount of water given to each plant would be a constant.

Cellular respiration takes place in the mitochondria of a cell.

Muscle cells would have more mitochondria because they require a lot of energy to contract and move. Brain cells also have a high concentration of mitochondria because they need energy for nerve impulses and other brain functions.

Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells have a cell membrane, cytoplasm, ribosomes, and DNA.