Term | Definition |
anaphase | Spindle fibers shorten, pulling the sister chromatids toward the opposite poles of the cell. This gives each pole a complete set of chromosomes. |
binary fission | The cell simply splits into two equal halves and occurs in bacteria and other prokaryotes. |
cell cycle | All of the stages that a cell goes through |
chromosome | consists of DNA and protein molecules coiled into a definite shape |
cell division | the division of a cell into 2 daughter cells with the same genetic material |
cytokinesis | The cell wall grows toward the center of the cell. The cytoplasm splits apart, and the cell pinches in two |
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) | the nucleic acid that stores genetic information |
DNA replication | The process in which DNA is copied |
interphase | the cells are preparing for cell division |
metaphase | Spindle fibers attach to the centromeres of the sister chromatids. The sister chromatids line up at the center of the cell. |
mitosis | division of the nucleus, occurs only in eukaryotic cells. |
prophase | Chromosomes form, and the nuclear membrane breaks down. In animal cells, the centrioles near the nucleus move to opposite poles of the cell. Fibers called spindles form between the centrioles. |
telophase | The chromosomes uncoil, and the spindle fibers break down. New nuclear membranes form. |
asexual reproduction | It involves just one parent. The offspring are genetically identical to each other and to the parent. |
diploid | The number of chromosomes in normal body cells |
egg | A gamete produced by a female parent |
fertilization | The union of the two gametes i |
gamete | Special cells produced by the parents |
haploid | The number of different types of chromosomes |
homologous chromosomes | The two members of a given pair of chromosomes |
meiosis | a special type of cell division. It produces haploid daughter cells. It occurs when an organism makes gametes. |
sperm | A gamete produced by a male parent |
zygote | The initial cell that forms when two gametes unite |
codon | These three-letter code words |
genetic code | the sequence of nitrogen bases in DNA |
mutagen | Anything in the environment that causes a mutation |
mutation | a change in the base sequence of DNA or RNA. |
protein synthesis | The process in which proteins are made. |
RNA (ribonucleic acid) | It copies instructions in DNA and carries them to a ribosome in the cytoplasm. Then it helps build the protein. |
transcription | the first step in protein synthesis. It takes place in the nucleus. A strand of DNA is copied to make a strand of mRNA |
translation | the second step in protein synthesis. It takes place at a ribosome in the cytoplasm. The genetic code in mRNA is read to make a protein. |