Cellular Reproduction Overview

The process where a parent cell produces two daughter cells, each receiving a complete set of hereditary information and a portion of the parent's cytoplasm.

The set of instructions carried by DNA that determines an organism's traits and characteristics.

The molecule that carries genetic instructions within a cell, composed of a long chain of nucleotides.

The building blocks of DNA, made up of a phosphate, a sugar (deoxyribose), and one of four bases (adenine, thymine, guanine, or cytosine).

The double helix structure of DNA, where two long strands of nucleotides wind around each other.

Units of inheritance located on DNA that contain instructions for making proteins.

The process of copying DNA to produce two identical copies, ensuring that each daughter cell receives a complete set of genetic information during cell division.

The proteins responsible for carrying out various functions within a cell, such as building structures, transporting molecules, and catalyzing reactions.

The type of cell division used for growth and development in multicellular organisms.

The process by which a cell becomes specialized to perform a specific function.

The repeating cycle of cell division, growth, and differentiation.

Cells that can self-renew and differentiate into various cell types.

The ability of a stem cell to produce more stem cells of the same type.

The ability of a stem cell to differentiate into various cell types.

Cells that can divide, but only differentiate into a limited number of cell types.

A type of cell division where a parent cell divides into two identical daughter cells.

The process by which organisms produce offspring. Can be sexual or asexual.

A type of reproduction where offspring inherit genetic material from two parents.

A type of reproduction where offspring inherits genetic material from only one parent.

Specialized cells produced by meiosis that carry half the genetic information of their parent cells.

A specialized type of cell division that produces gametes with half the genetic information of the parent cell.

The genetic material of a prokaryotic cell, which is a single, circular chromosome.

The process of growth and division in prokaryotic cells.

A ring of microfilaments forms around the equator of an animal cell, contracts and constricts the cell, eventually pinching off the membrane to form two daughter cells.

A new cell wall forms between daughter nuclei in a plant cell during cytokinesis. Vesicles filled with carbohydrates fuse to create a cell plate, which eventually joins with the existing cell wall to form two daughter cells.

The division of the cytoplasm of a cell after mitosis, resulting in two daughter cells.

A structure that forms during plant cell cytokinesis, consisting of a flattened sac filled with carbohydrates. It eventually fuses with the existing cell wall to separate the daughter cells.

Thin, threadlike structures made of protein that help to form the cytoskeleton of a cell and play a role in cytokinesis.

The DNA is tightly wrapped around histone proteins, forming nucleosomes. This structure allows for the compaction of the DNA, making it possible to fit a massive amount of genetic information within the nucleus.

Eukaryotic chromosomes are linear and contained within a membrane-bound nucleus. They have a unique structure and are much larger and more complex than prokaryotic chromosomes.

Genes are DNA segments that hold the instructions for making proteins. They are located at specific spots on chromosomes called loci.

Telomeres are repetitive DNA sequences found at the ends of chromosomes. They protect the chromosome from degradation and ensure proper replication. Their length shortens with age and is associated with aging.

The centromere is a specialized region on a chromosome responsible for attaching the two chromatids (copies of DNA) during replication and for the proper movement of chromosomes during cell division.

The DNA in eukaryotic chromosomes is organized into a hierarchical structure. This includes the wrapping of DNA around histones, the formation of nucleosomes, and further folding into loops.

Eukaryotic cells have multiple chromosomes, typically organized in homologous pairs. This allows for the efficient management of a large amount of genetic information.

Eukaryotic chromosomes contain a significantly larger amount of DNA compared to prokaryotes. This reflects the greater complexity of eukaryotic organisms, with a vast number of genes and regulatory elements.

During metaphase, chromosomes line up at the center of the spindle, perpendicular to the spindle fibers. Each chromosome is attached to opposite spindle poles by its two sister chromatids, ensuring that each daughter cell receives a complete set of chromosomes.

Kinetochore microtubules are spindle fibers that attach to the kinetochores of chromosomes. They lengthen or shorten to move chromosomes to the cell's equator, ensuring even chromosome distribution.

Anaphase is marked by the separation of sister chromatids, each becoming a daughter chromosome. Motor proteins in the kinetochores pull chromatids apart, moving them towards opposite poles. Simultaneously, polar microtubules push against each other, elongating the cell.

The spindle microtubules break down, a nuclear membrane forms around each group of chromosomes, and the chromosomes unwind. Nucleoli reappear. The cell enters interphase, completing the mitotic cell division.

During mitotic anaphase, the cell elongates as polar microtubules lengthen and push against each other. This helps ensure the daughter cells receive equal amounts of cytoplasm.

The two daughter cells produced through mitosis are genetically identical to the parent cell because each daughter cell receives a complete copy of every chromosome, with each chromosome containing the same genetic information.

Each duplicated chromosome is attached to a spindle pole by the centromere. The centromere is a specialized region of the chromosome that helps organize the chromosomes during division.

During prophase, the nuclear envelope breaks down, and the chromosomes condense. This process creates more surface area for the spindle fibers to attach, facilitating chromosome separation and allowing the chromosomes to move freely within the cell.