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Cell division
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Cell continuity | Cells arise from pre-existing cells. |
| Chromosomes | Thread like structures made up of DNA and protein |
| Homologous pairs | Pairs of chromosomes that contain genes that control the same characteristics |
| Genes | Short sections of DNA that code for a protein |
| Locus | The position of a gene on a chromosome |
| Haploid cells | A cell whose nucleus only contains one set of chromosomes |
| How haploid is represented | The letter ‘n’ |
| Haploid cell in the human body | Gametes |
| Gametes | Sex cells i.e egg and sperm cells |
| Diploid cells | A cell whose nucleus contains two sets or copies of each chromosome |
| How diploid cells are represented | ‘2n’ |
| Example of a diploid cell | Somatic (normal body cells) |
| The cell cycle definition | A series of changes that occur in a cell, during the period between one cell division and the next |
| Interphase | The period of time when the cell is not dividing |
| Phase that takes up most of the cycle | Interphase |
| What happens during interphase (5 functions) | The cell prepares for division by growing in size/growth It replicates its DNA Protein synthesis Animal cells - respiration Plant cells - photosynthesis |
| Chromatin definition and function | Elongated DNA Condense to form visible strands under the microscope which we call chromosomes |
| Mitosis | Cell division that forms two identical daughter cells (Nuclear division that forms two identical nuclei) Maintains the chromosome number |
| Function of mitosis in unicellular organisms e.g amoeba | Main function is to reproduce (asexually) |
| Function of mitosis in multicellular organisms | Growth Repair of tissue |
| Type of cells mitosis occurs in | Eukaryotic |
| The equivalent process in prokaryotic organisms | Binary fission |
| Stages involved in mitosis (4) | 1. Prophase 2. Metaphase 3. Anaphase 4. Telaphase |
| Prophase steps | Chromatin condenses to form double stranded chromosomes which are joined by a structure called a centromere. The nuclear membrane gradually breaks down, disappears Spindle fibres form around the centrioles. |
| Metaphase steps | Centrioles send out spindle fibres Chromosomes line up along the equator of the cell. |
| Anaphase steps | Spindle fibres contract. Centromere splits and separates the sister chromatids. One chromosome is pulled to the opposite ends of the cell. |
| Telophase steps | Chromosomes lengthen Spindle fibres break down, disappear Nuclear membranes reform at each pole |
| Cytokinesis in an animal cell | The cell membrane pinches in forming a cleavage furrow. Two cells separate |
| Cytokinesis in a plant cell | Vesicles gather along the middle of the cell forming a cell plate. This eventually forms a cell wall and the cells separate |
| Cancer | A group of disorders due to the uncontrolled rate of mitosis (cell division) |
| Tumors | Masses of abnormal cells Benign tumours can be removed with surgery. Malignant tumours are invasive and disrupt the normal functions of tissues or organs. |
| Causes of cancer (carcinogens) | Uv rays Chemicals e.g cigarette smoke, asbestos Viruses eg HPV Alchahol |
| Cancer treatments | Surgery Chemotherapy Radiotherapy |
| Chemotherapy | Chemicals introduced to bloodstream to attack and kill dividing cells. |
| Radiotherapy | Radiation passed through the tumour to kill the cells |
| Example of cells that don’t undergo mitosis | Red blood cells |
| Why blood cells don’t undergo mitosis | They don’t have a nucleus |
| Meiosis | Cell division where four daughter cells are produced with half the number of chromosomes of the parent cell |
| Where meiosis occurs | In the reproductive system to produce gametes |
| Functions of meiosis | 1. Produce gametes 2. Halves the chromosome number 3. Variation - daughter cells are not identical |