| Term | Definition |
|---|
| asexual reproduction | reproduction that involves only one parent and results in genetically identical offspring |
| autosome | a chromosome that is not directly involved in determining sex |
| binary fission | form of asexual reproduction that produces identical offspring |
| cancer | a disease characterized by abnormal cell growth |
| cell cycle | repeating five-phase sequence of eukaryotic cell growth and division |
| centromere | region joining two chromosomes |
| chromatid | one of a pair of strands of DNA that make up a chromosome during meiosis or mitosis |
| chromosome | structure made up of DNA and associated proteins on which genes are located |
| clone | organism produced by asexual reproduction that is genetically identical to its parent |
| crossing-over | the exchange of reciprocal segments of DNA by homologous chromosomes at the beginning of meiosis; source of genetic recombination |
| cytokinesis | division of cytoplasm to form two separate cells |
| diploid | term used to indicate a cell containing two sets of chromosomes (2n), one set inherited from each parent |
| fertilization | the process by which haploid gametes join to form a diploid zygote |
| gamete | haploid cell that participates in fertilization by fusing with another haploid cell |
| gametophyte | haploid phase in the type of life cycle known as alternation of generations; haploid individual that produces gametes |
| gene | section of a chromosome that codes for a protein or RNA molecule |
| haploid | having only one set of chromosomes |
| homologous chromosome | a member of a chromosome pair, both of which are similar in shape, size, and gene |
| independent assortment | random distribution of homologous chromosomes during meiosis |
| interphase | period between two meiotic or meiotic divisions of a eukaryotic cell during which the cell carries out routine functioning, copies its DNA, and prepares to divide |
| karyotype | array of the chromosomes found in an individual's cells arranged in order of size and shape |
| life cycle | entire life cycle of an organism; summary of all of the stages of an organism |
| meiosis | process during cell division in which the nucleus of a cell completes two successive divisions that produce four cells (gametes), each with a chromosome number that has been reduced by half |
| mitosis | process during cell division in which a cell divides into two nuclei, each with the same number and same kind of chromosomes |
| oogenesis | process by which gametes are produced in female animals |
| ovum | a mature egg cell |
| sex chromosome | one of a pair of chromosomes that are involved in determining the sex of an individual |
| sexual reproduction | reproduction in which gametes from opposite sexes or mating types unite to form a zygote |
| sperm | male gamete |
| spindle | structure composed of centroiles and individual hollow protein fibers that moves chromosomes apart in cell division |
| spore | an asexual, resting, reproductive haploid cell |
| sporophyte | diploid phase in the type of life cycle known as alteration of generations; diploid individuals that produces spores |
| zygote | fertilized egg cell |
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