Term | Definition |
cell division | cell divides into 2 daughter cells |
asexual reproduction | process of reproduction involving a single parent |
sexual reproduction | cells from 2 parents unite to form the first cell of a new organism |
chromosome | structure of DNA and protein that contains genetic information, there are 46 of them in humans |
chromatin | name given to chromosomes when they are unwound during the cell cycle |
cell cycle | series of events in which a cell grows, copies DNA, and divides |
interphase | period of cell cycle between cell divisions |
mitosis | part of cell division in eukaryotes in which the nucleus divides |
cytokinesis | division of cytoplasm of cell following mitosis |
chromatid | one of 2 identical sister parts of a chromosome |
centromere | region of a chromosome where 2 sister chromatids attach |
growth factors | proteins that stimulate the enlargement and division in cells |
cancer | uncontrolled cell growth |
apoptosis | programmed cell death |
embryo | developing stage of a multicellular organism |
differentiation | process in which cells become specialized |
totipotent | cells that are capable of developing into any cell in the body |
pluripotent | cells that are capable of developing into most, but not all, cells in the body |
stem cells | unspecialized cells that give rise to one or more type of specialized cells. |
multipotent | cells with limited potential to develop into many types of cells |