Biology Chapter on Cell Division

The process by which a parent cell divides to produce two daughter cells.

The hereditary information found in all cells, responsible for carrying genetic instructions.

The basic building blocks of DNA, composed of a phosphate, a sugar, and a nitrogenous base.

Four nitrogenous bases found in DNA: Adenine, Thymine, Guanine, and Cytosine.

The structure of DNA, consisting of two strands of nucleotides wound around each other.

Segments of DNA that carry the instructions for making specific proteins.

The process of creating two identical copies of DNA during cell division.

The process of distributing replicated DNA to the two daughter cells during cell division.

The type of cell division in eukaryotic cells that results in two identical daughter cells, facilitating growth and repair.

The process by which newly formed daughter cells specialize to perform specific functions in the body.

The continuous cycle of a cell's life, including division, growth, and differentiation.

Cells with the ability to self-renew and differentiate into various cell types, contributing to growth and repair.

The ability of stem cells to divide and maintain their own population.

The capacity of stem cells to produce daughter cells that can specialize into a range of cell types.

Cells that have differentiated and lost the ability to divide, like most heart and brain cells.

The fusion of two gametes (sperm and egg) from different parents, resulting in offspring with a unique combination of genetic material.

A specialized type of cell division that produces gametes (sperm and eggs) with half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell.

The process by which a single parent cell divides to produce two identical daughter cells. This is a common mode of reproduction in many prokaryotes and some eukaryotes.

The circular DNA molecule found in prokaryotic cells, it is not enclosed within a nucleus.

The process of cell division in prokaryotic cells, where one parent cell divides into two daughter cells, each with a complete copy of the parent's DNA.

The phase in the prokaryotic cell cycle where the cell grows and replicates its chromosome.

The process of creating two identical copies of the prokaryotic chromosome.

The point where the prokaryotic chromosome is attached to the plasma membrane.

Eukaryotic chromosomes are linear DNA molecules bound to proteins within a membrane-bound nucleus. They are longer and contain more DNA than prokaryotic chromosomes, contributing to the complexity of eukaryotic cell division.

They are the sites where two sister chromatids, replicated DNA strands, are temporarily held together during cell division.

They are repeated nucleotide sequences found at the ends of eukaryotic chromosomes, crucial for maintaining chromosome stability.

Genes are specific segments of DNA within a chromosome, containing instructions for making particular proteins.

DNA in eukaryotic chromosomes is wrapped around histone proteins, forming DNA-histone spools. These spools are further coiled and folded, resulting in a highly compact structure.

Each eukaryotic chromosome has a distinct location in the nucleus. It acts as a landmark for finding specific genes

The process of duplicated chromosomes condensing into compact structures, disappearance of the nucleolus, and formation of spindle microtubules during the first stage of mitosis.

Sister chromatids are duplicated chromosomes that are held together at the centromere.

Microtubules that radiate from the spindle poles, forming a basket-like structure around the nucleus and extending towards the plasma membrane.

Microtubules attached to the kinetochore structure at the centromere of each sister chromatid.

The specialized structure on the centromere of each sister chromatid, serving as a point of attachment for kinetochore microtubules.

The region where sister chromatids are attached, essential for proper chromosome segregation during cell division.

During prophase, the chromosomes condense and the nuclear envelope disintegrates, releasing the duplicated chromosomes into the cytoplasm.

Plants, fungi, and some algae lack centrioles, but they still form spindle poles through a different mechanism.

During mitotic metaphase, chromosomes line up at the center of the cell, perpendicular to the spindle fibers. Kinetochore microtubules from opposite poles attach to sister chromatids of each chromosome.

Kinetochore microtubules attach to the kinetochore of each sister chromatid, pulling them towards opposite poles of the cell. This creates tension, ensuring equal distribution of chromosomes during division.

During mitotic anaphase, sister chromatids separate, becoming daughter chromosomes, and move to opposite poles of the cell. This is driven by the action of motor proteins and the shortening of kinetochore microtubules.

In anaphase, polar microtubules from opposite poles overlap and push against each other. This elongation pushes the poles further apart, contributing to the overall elongation of the cell.

At the end of mitosis, chromosomes reach the poles and decondense, regaining their extended form. A nuclear membrane forms around each set of chromosomes, and the nucleoli reappear.

Mitosis produces two daughter cells that are genetically identical to the parent cell. This ensures that each cell has a complete and accurate copy of the genetic material.

Mitosis is essential for growth, development, and repair of tissues in multicellular organisms. It ensures that all cells have the same genetic information and are able to function correctly.

The process that ensures the correct distribution of chromosomes during cell division, guaranteeing that each daughter cell receives a complete set of genetic information.