Biology Chapter on Cell Division and Genetics

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Questions and Answers

What is binary fission?

Form of asexual reproduction (correct)

Cell division in eukaryotes

Type of sexual reproduction

Method of DNA replication

What is cytokinesis?

The division of the cytoplasm and the plasma membrane following the division of the nucleus.

What do chromosomes carry?

Nutrients

Water

Genetic information (correct)

Energy

What are chromatids?

Strands formed when a chromosome duplicates itself. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the centromere?

Links sister chromatids. Signup and view all the answers

Humans are diploid organisms.

True Signup and view all the answers

What are tetrads?

A four-part structure during meiosis Signup and view all the answers

What role do histones play?

Help maintain the shape of DNA and aid in tight packing. Signup and view all the answers

What is an autosome?

A chromosome that is not a sex chromosome. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of sex chromosomes?

Determine the sex of an individual Signup and view all the answers

What is a karyotype?

The number, size, and shape of chromosomes in an organism. Signup and view all the answers

What are diploid cells?

Cells with two homologous copies of each chromosome. Signup and view all the answers

What do helicases do?

Bind and remodel nucleic acid or nucleic acid-protein complexes. Signup and view all the answers

What are nucleic acids?

Complex organic substances present in living cells, especially DNA or RNA. Signup and view all the answers

What are nucleotides?

Compounds consisting of a nucleoside linked to a phosphate group. Signup and view all the answers

What are nitrogen-containing bases?

Organic compounds with the chemical properties of a base. Signup and view all the answers

What is a codon?

A sequence of three DNA or RNA nucleotides. Signup and view all the answers

What is an anticodon?

A sequence of three nucleotides in transfer RNA. Signup and view all the answers

What are purines and pyrimidines?

Classes of nitrogen-containing bases. Signup and view all the answers

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.