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Ch.8
Cell Reproduction
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Asexual Reproduction | reproduction that does not involve the union of gametes and in which a single parent produces offspring that are genetically identical to the parent |
| binary fission | a form of asexual reproduction in single-celled organisms by which one cell divides into two cells of the same size |
| mitosis | in eukaryotic cells, a process of cell division that forms two new nuclei, each of which has the same number of chromosomes |
| meiosis | a process in cell division during which the number of chromosomes decreases to half the original number by two divisions of the nucleus, which results in the production of sex cells (gametes or spores) |
| gamete | a haploid reproductive cell that unites with another haploid reproductive cell to form a zygote |
| Interphase | the period of the cell cycle during which activities such as cell growth and protein synthesis occur without visible signs of cell division |
| Cytokinesis | the division of the cytoplasm of a cell; cytokinesis follows the division of the cell's nucleus by mitosis or meiosis |
| prophase | the first stage of mitosis and meiosis in cell division; characterized by the condensation of the chromosomes |
| spindle fiber | one of the microtubules that extend across a dividing eukaryotic cell; assists in the movement of chromosomes |
| metaphase | one of the stages of mitosis and meiosis, during which all of the chromosomes move to the cell's equator |
| anaphase | a phase of mitosis and meiosis in which the chromosomes separate |
| telophase | the final stage of mitosis or meiosis, during which a nuclear membrane forms around each set of new chromosomes |
| cell plate | the precursor of a new plant cell wall that forms during cell division and divides a cell into two |
| chromosome | in a eukaryotic cell, one of the structures in the nucleus that are made up of DNA and protein; in a prokaryotic cell, the main ring of DNA |
| histone | a type of protein molecule found in the chromosomes of eukaryotic cells but not prokaryotic cells |
| chromatid | one of the two strands of a chromosome that become visible during meiosis or mitosis |
| centromere | the region of the chromosome that holds the two sister chromatids together during mitosis |
| chromatin | the substance that composes eukaryotic chromosomes; it consists of specific proteins, DNA, and small amounts of RNA |
| sex chromosome | one of the pair of chromosomes that determine the sex of an individual |
| autosome | any chromosome that is not a sex chromosome |
| homologous chromosomes | chromosomes that have the same sequence of genes, that have the same structure, and that pair during meiosis |
| karyotype | an array of the chromosomes found in an individual’s cells at metaphase of mitosis and arranged in homologous pairs and in order of diminishing size |
| diploid | a cell that contains two haploid sets of chromosomes |
| haploid | describes a cell, nucleus, or organism that has only one set of unpaired chromosomes |
| Chromosome Number | The chromosome number is the number of chromosomes in a eukaryotic cell. Each type of organism has a specific chromosome number. |
| Sex Chromosomes and Autosomes | Autosomes are chromosomes that are not directly involved in determining the sex of an individual. Sex chromosomes are the pair of chromosomes that determine the sex of an individual |
| Homologous Chromosomes | Homologous chromosomes are chromosomes that have the same sequence of genes, have the same structure, and pair during meiosis. |
| Karyotype | A karyotype shows the chromosomes in a dividing cell arranged by size. Karyotypes can be used to identify abnormalities in chromosome number and structure. |
| Comparing Haploid and Diploid Cells | A haploid cell has only one set of unpaired chromosomes. A diploid cell has two sets of chromosomes, arranged in pairs. |
| Comparing Cell Division in Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes | Prokaryotic cells are much smaller and simpler than eukaryotic cells. Prokaryotic cells divide much faster than eukaryotic cells. |
| synapsis | the pairing of homologous chromosomes during meiosis |
| tetrad | the four chromatids in a pair of homologous chromosomes that come together as a result of synapsis during meiosis |
| crossing-over | the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during meiosis; can result in genetic recombination |
| genetic recombination | the regrouping of genes in an offspring that results in a genetic makeup that is different from that of the parents |
| independent assortment | the random distribution of the pairs of genes on different chromosomes to the gametes |
| spermatogenesis | the process by which male gametes form |
| oogenesis | the production, growth, and maturation of an egg, or ovum |
| polar body | a short-lived product of the formation of gametes by meiosis |
| sexual reproduction | reproduction in which gametes from two parents unite |