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chapter 10
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| chromosome | threadlike structure of DNA and protein that contains genetic info; in eukaryotes, found in the nucleus; in prokaryotes they are found in the cytoplasm |
| chromatin | substance found in eukaryotic chromosomes that consists of DNA tightly coiled around histones |
| cell cycle | series of events in which a cell grows, prepares for division, and divides to form two daughter cells |
| interphase | period of the cell cycle between cell divisions |
| mitosis | part of eukaryotic cell division during which the cell nucleus divides |
| cytokinesis | division of the cytoplasm to form two separate daughter cells |
| prophase | genetic material inside the nucleus condenses and duplicated chromosomes become visible |
| centromere | region of a chromosome where the two sister chromatids attach |
| chromatid | one of the two identical "sisters" parts of a duplicated chromosome |
| centriole | structure in an animal cell that helps organize cell divison |
| metaphase | chromosomes line up at the center of the cell |
| anaphase | chromosomes move toward opposite poles |
| telophase | chromosomes begin to spread out into a tangle of chromatin |
| embryo | developing stage of a molecular organism |
| differentiation | process in which cells become specialized in structure and function |
| totipotent | cells that are able to develop into any type cell found in the body |
| blastocyst | stage of early development in mammals that consists of a hollow ball of cells |
| pluripotent | cells that are capable of developing into most, but not all, of the body's cell types |
| stem cell | unspecialized cell that can give rise to one or more types of specialized cells |
| multipotent | cell with limited potential to develop into many types of differentiated cells |
| cell division | process by which cells divide into new daughter cells |
| asexual reproduction | process of reproduction involving a single parent that results in offspring that are genetically identical to the parent |
| sexual reproduction | type of reproduction in which cells from two parents must unite to form the first cell of a new organism |
| cyclin | one of a family of proteins that regulates the cell cycle in eukaryotic cells |
| growth factor | one of a group of external regulatory proteins that stimulate the growth and division of cells |
| apoptis | process of programmed cell death |
| cancer | disorder in which some of the body's cells lose the ability to control growth |
| tumor | mass of rapidly dividing cells that can damage surrounding tissues |