Questions and Answers
What is binary fission?
What is cytokinesis?
The division of the cytoplasm and the plasma membrane following the division of the nucleus.
What do chromosomes carry?
What are chromatids?
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What is the function of the centromere?
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Humans are diploid organisms.
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What are tetrads?
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What role do histones play?
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What is an autosome?
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What is the function of sex chromosomes?
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What is a karyotype?
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What are diploid cells?
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What do helicases do?
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What are nucleic acids?
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What are nucleotides?
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What are nitrogen-containing bases?
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What is a codon?
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What is an anticodon?
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What are purines and pyrimidines?
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Study Notes
Binary Fission
- A form of asexual reproduction and cell division used by all prokaryotes.
- Involves splitting of a single organism into two identical organisms.
Cytokinesis
- Division of cytoplasm and plasma membrane after nucleus division.
- Results in two cells, each with its own nucleus and cytoplasm.
Chromosomes
- Structures that carry genetic information essential for growth, survival, and reproduction.
- Composed of DNA with specific patterns known as genes.
Chromatids
- Formed when a chromosome duplicates in early cell division.
- Two strands connected by a centromere that later separate into individual chromosomes.
Centromere
- Part of a chromosome linking sister chromatids.
- Site where spindle fibers attach during mitosis via a kinetochore.
Homologous Chromosomes
- Comprise 22 pairs, with each pair containing genes that code for different traits.
- Inherited from both parents, making humans diploid organisms.
Tetrads
- Four-part structures formed during prophase I of meiosis.
- Consist of two homologous chromosomes, each with two identical chromatids.
Histones & Non-histones
- Histones maintain DNA shape and aid tight packing.
- Non-histones are proteins that regulate specific regions on DNA.
Spindle Fibers
- Composed of microtubules, facilitating chromosome separation during cell division.
- Kinetochore fibers bind chromosome centromeres to spindle; polar fibers push spindle poles apart.
Autosomes
- Non-sex chromosomes that appear in pairs with identical forms.
- Distinguish from allosomes, which can determine an individual's sex.
Sex Chromosomes
- Chromosomes that vary in shape or function, determining an individual’s sex.
Karyotypes
- Display the number, size, and shape of chromosomes in an organism.
- Varies significantly among different species.
Diploid & Haploid Cells
- Diploid cells contain two homologous copies of each chromosome.
- Haploid cells have only one set of chromosomes.
Helicase
- Enzymes that bind and remodel nucleic acid structures.
- Includes both DNA and RNA helicases.
Nucleic Acids
- Complex organic substances in living cells, primarily DNA and RNA.
- Composed of long chains of linked nucleotides.
Nucleotides
- Basic structural units of nucleic acids, consisting of a nucleoside and phosphate group.
Nitrogen-Containing Bases
- Organic compounds with nitrogen, classified mainly as purines and pyrimidines.
Codon
- Sequence of three nucleotides in DNA or RNA, corresponding to an amino acid or stop signal during protein synthesis.
Anticodon
- Sequence of three nucleotides in tRNA that pairs with a complementary codon in mRNA during translation.
Purines & Pyrimidines
- Purines and pyrimidines are types of nitrogenous bases that form the building blocks of nucleic acids.
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Description
Explore the fascinating processes of cell division including binary fission and cytokinesis. Dive into the structures that carry genetic information, like chromosomes and chromatids, and learn about homologous chromosomes and tetrads. Perfect for students studying cell biology and genetics.