Term | Definition |
mitosis | process of cell division including division of the nucleus and the cytoplasm |
cytokinesis | division of the cytoplasm. separation into two daughter cells |
replication | to copy |
cell cycle | the cycle of growth and asexual reproduction of a cell |
chromosomes | a threadlike structure of nucleic acids and protein found in the nucleus of most living cells, carrying genetic information in the form of genes. |
chromatid | each of the two threadlike strands into which a chromosome divides longitudinally during cell division. Each contains a double helix of DNA |
centromere | the point on a chromosome by which it is attached to a spindle fiber during cell division. |
chromatin | the material of which the chromosomes of organisms other than bacteria (i.e., eukaryotes) are composed. It consists of protein, RNA, and DNA |
diploid | (of a cell or nucleus) containing two complete sets of chromosomes, one from each parent. |
interphase | the resting phase between successive mitotic divisions of a cell, or between the first and second divisions of meiosis. |
crossing over | the exchange of genes between homologous chromosomes, resulting in a mixture of parental characteristics in offspring. |
tetrad | a group or set of four. |
synapsis | the fusion of chromosome pairs at the start of meiosis |
polar bodies | each of the small cells that bud off from an oocyte at the two meiotic divisions and do not develop into ova |
gametogenesis | the process in which cells undergo meiosis to form gametes |
gonad | an organ that produces gametes; a testis or ovary |
gamete | a mature haploid male or female germ cell that is able to unite with another of the opposite sex in sexual reproduction to form a zygote |
ovum/ ova | a mature female reproductive cell, especially of a human or other animal, that can divide to give rise to an embryo usually only after fertilization by a male cell. |
sperm | |
haploid | (of a cell or nucleus) having a single set of unpaired chromosomes. |