Cell Cycle Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the cell cycle?

The separation of sister chromatids during mitosis

The duplication of chromosomes

The ordered sequence of events that a cell passes through between one cell division and the next (correct)

A process of DNA replication

What is a centromere?

Region at which sister chromatids are bound together

Define chromatid.

Single DNA molecule of two strands of duplicated DNA held together at the centromere

What does diploid mean?

Cell or organism containing two sets of chromosomes (2n) Signup and view all the answers

What is a gamete?

Haploid reproductive cell or sex cell Signup and view all the answers

Define a gene.

Physical and functional unit of heredity, a sequence of DNA that codes for a protein Signup and view all the answers

What is a genome?

Total genetic information of a cell or organism Signup and view all the answers

What does haploid mean?

Cell or organism containing one set of chromosomes (n) Signup and view all the answers

Define histone.

Basic proteins found in the chromatin of all eukaryotic cells that associate with DNA Signup and view all the answers

What are homologous chromosomes?

Chromosomes of the same morphology with genes in the same location Signup and view all the answers

What is the locus?

Position of a gene on a chromosome Signup and view all the answers

What is a nucleosome?

Subunit of chromatin composed of DNA wrapped around a core of histone proteins Signup and view all the answers

A diploid cell has _______ the number of chromosomes as a haploid cell.

twice Signup and view all the answers

An organism's traits are determined by the specific combination of inherited _____.

genes Signup and view all the answers

The first level of DNA organization in a eukaryotic cell is maintained by which molecule?

histone Signup and view all the answers

Identical copies of chromatin held together by cohesin at the centromere are called _____.

sister chromatids Signup and view all the answers

Compare and contrast a human somatic cell to a human gamete.

Human somatic cells have 46 chromosomes while gametes have 23. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between a genome, chromosomes, and genes?

The genome consists of all chromosomes, and each chromosome contains many genes. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how eukaryotic chromosomes can fit inside a nucleus.

DNA is wrapped around histone proteins forming nucleosomes, which are further condensed. Signup and view all the answers

What stage of mitosis involves sister chromatids being separated?

Anaphase Signup and view all the answers

What does a cell plate indicate?

The formation of a barrier to separate daughter cells in plant cells Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cell Cycle Overview

The cell cycle consists of an ordered sequence of events between cell divisions, necessary for growth and reproduction.

Key Terms and Definitions

Centromere: A constricted region where sister chromatids are joined, pivotal in chromosome alignment during cell division.
Chromatid: Each of the two duplicated strands of DNA held together at the centromere; essential for proper chromosome segregation.
Diploid (2n): Cells or organisms that carry two sets of chromosomes, typical in somatic cells.
Gamete: A haploid reproductive cell (sperm or egg), containing one set of chromosomes.
Gene: The basic unit of heredity, consisting of DNA sequences that encode proteins, influencing traits.
Genome: The complete set of genetic material present in a cell or organism, encapsulating all chromosomes.
Haploid (n): Refers to cells with a single set of chromosomes, characteristic of gametes.
Histone: Basic proteins that play a critical role in the packaging of DNA into nucleosomes, aiding in DNA organization.
Homologous Chromosomes: Chromosome pairs of the same morphology, each inherited from a different parent, holding similar genes.
Locus: The specific physical location of a gene on a chromosome.
Nucleosome: The fundamental unit of chromatin, formed by DNA wrapped around histones, facilitating compaction of genetic material.

Chromosome Characteristics

A diploid cell carries twice the number of chromosomes compared to a haploid cell, emphasizing genetic diversity through sexual reproduction.
Traits in an organism are influenced by the inherited genes from both parents, as part of their DNA.
Histones are crucial for the initial stage of DNA configuration in eukaryotic cells.

Cellular Division Phases

Sister chromatids refer to identical copies of chromatin linked at the centromere and separated during mitosis.
Human somatic cells harbor 46 chromosomes (22 pairs of autosomes and 2 sex chromosomes), while human gametes contain 23 chromosomes, reflecting their diploid and haploid states, respectively.

Genetic Structure Relationships

The genome is the collective total of an organism’s chromosomes; each chromosome comprises numerous genes with coding and non-coding DNA.

Chromatin Structure and Function

Eukaryotic chromosomes exceed typical cell length and are compacted through wrapping around histones to form nucleosomes, further organized into fibers.
The mechanism of chromatin condensation is essential for effective chromosome segregation during division.

Summary of Genetic Concepts

Prokaryotes possess a singular circular chromosome, while eukaryotes have multiple linear chromosomes encased within a nucleus.
In human somatic cells, chromosomes are categorized as 22 pairs of autosomes plus 2 sex chromosomes, indicating diploid nature.
Mitosis requires chromosomes to be highly condensed for accurate segregation, achieved through various proteins aiding in DNA organization.

Mitosis Stage

Anaphase: A critical phase in mitosis where sister chromatids are pulled apart, ensuring each new daughter cell receives an identical set of chromosomes.

Additional Cell Cycle Concept

Cell Plate: A structure involved in plant cell division, forming during cytokinesis, aiding in the separation of daughter cells.

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Description

This quiz features a set of flashcards covering key terms related to the cell cycle. Each card includes a definition to help reinforce your understanding of important concepts like centromeres and chromatids. Perfect for students revising cellular biology topics.