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Chapter 8 Terms
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Histones | 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 material that makes up both mitotic and interphase chromosomes; a complex or proteins and DNA strands that are loosely coiled such that translation and transcription can occur |
| 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 Chromosome | chromosomes that have the same sequence of genes, that have the same structure, and that pair during meiosis |
| Karyotype | a micrograph of the array of chromosomes visible in a cell during metaphase; a graphical display that shows an individuals chromosomes 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Gamete | a haploid reproductive cell that unites with another haploid reproductive to form a zygote |
| Interphase | a period between two mitotic or meiotic divisions during which the cell grows, copies its DNA, and synthesizes proteins |
| Cytokinesis | the division of the cytoplasma 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 and the dissolution of the nuclear envelope |
| Spindle Fiber | one of the microtubules that extend across a dividing eukaryotic cell; assists in the movement of chromosomes |
| Meta Phase | 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 chromosmes |
| Cell Plate | the precursor of a new plant cell wall that forms during cell division and divides a cell into two |