Question | Answer |
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 and around which DNA wraps. |
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 mitosisl |
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 centriole 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 organisms 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 | Process 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. |