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Chapter 5
Cells and Energy Cell Growth and Division
Term | Definition |
---|---|
cell cycle | pattern of growth, DNA replication, and cell division that occurs in a eukaryotic cell |
mitosis | process by which a cell divides its nucleus and contents |
cytokinesis | process by which the cell cytoplasm divides |
chromosome | long, continuous thread of DNA that consists of numerous genes and regulatory information |
histone | protein that organizes chromosomes |
chromatin | loose combination of DNA and proteins that is present during interphase |
chromatid | one half of a duplicated chromosome |
centromere | region of condensed chromosome that looks pinched; where spindle fibers attach during meiosis and mitosis |
telomere | repeating nucleotide at the ends of DNA molecules that do not form genes and help prevent the loss of genes |
prophase | first phase of mitosis when chromatin condenses, the nuclear envelope breaks down, the nucleolus disappears, and the centrosomes and centrioles migrate to opposite sides of the cell |
metaphase | second phase of mitosis when spindle fibers align the chromosomes along the cell equator |
anaphase | third phase of mitosis during which chromatids separate and are pulled to opposite sides of the cell |
telophase | last phase of mitosis when a complete set of identical chromosomes is positioned at each pole of the cell, the nuclear membranes start to form, the chromosomes begin to uncoil, and the spindle fibers disassemble |
growth factor | broad group of proteins that stimulate cell division |
apoptosis | programmed cell death |
cancer | common name for a class of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell division |
benign | having no dangerous effect on health, especially referring to an abnormal growth of cells that are not cancerous |
malignant | cancerous tumor in which cells break away and spread to other parts of the body, causing harm to the organism's health |
metastasize | to spread by transferring a disease-causing agent from the site of the disease to other parts of the body |
carcinogen | substance that produces or promotes the development of cancer |
asexual reproduction | process by which offspring are produced from a single parent; does not involve the joining of gametes |
binary fission | asexual reproduction in which a cell divides into two equal parts |
tissue | group of cells that work together to perform a similar function |
organ | group of different types of tissues that work together to perform a specific function or related functions |
organ system | two or more organs that work in a coordinated way to carry out similar functions |
cell differentiation | processes by which unspecialized cells develop into their mature form and function |
stem cell | cell that can divide for long periods of time while remaining undifferentiated |