| Term | Definition |
|---|
| chromosomes | rod shaped cell structures that direct the activities of a cell and passes on the traits of a cell to new cells |
| cytokinesis | division of the cytoplasm, usually at the end of nuclear division. |
| cytoplasm | gel-like substance in which all cellular components outside the nucleus are immersed. |
| daughter cell | one of two cells resulting from the division of a single cell. |
| diploid | a cell that contains two of each type of chromosome, such as a human somatic cell. |
| chromatin | The loose and uncoiled form of DNA seen during interphase |
| G1 stage | first stage in interphase, during which cellular growth and development takes place |
| G2 stage | third stage of interphase during which organelle replication and protein synthesis takes place |
| gametes | reproductive cells; sperm and egg cells in animals. |
| hereditary material | the information which is passed from one cellular generation to the next (encoded in DNA in humans). |
| homologous chromosome | A member of a chromosome pair, both of which are similar in shape, size, and the genes they carry |
| interphase | the portion of the cell cycle where the cell is not dividing; includes G1, S and G2 stages. |
| metaphase | the stage in mitosis or meiosis in which the replicated chromosomes line up along the equatorial plate of the cell |
| mitosis | process of cellular division in which the daughter cells are genetically identical to themselves and to the parent cell. |
| nucleus | organelle in the center of the cell which contains the chromosomes. |
| prophase | the first stage of mitosis /meiosis in cell division; characterized by the condensation of the chromosomes and the dissolution of the nuclear envelope |
| replicated chromosomes | chromosomes which have undergone DNA replication and contain two sister chromatids. |
| S-phase | second stage of interphase ; period of DNA replication. |
| sister chromatids | two identical copies of a parent chromosome which are attached to one another at the centromere. |
| somatic cell | any cell in the body that is not a germ cell (reproductive cell). |
| spindle fibers | protein structures which move the chromosomes during cell division. |
| telophase | the final stage of mitosis or meiosis, during which a nuclear membrane forms around each set of new chromosomes |
| clones | A group of cells derived from a single ancestor. |
| histones | protein molecules around which DNA is tightly coiled in chromatin |
| anaphase | the stage of meiosis or mitosis when chromosomes move toward opposite ends of the poles |
| centrioles | specialized organelles that facilitate cell division |
| centromere | the region of the chromosome that holds the two sister chromatids together during mitosis |
| cleavage furrow | contractile ring of microfilaments in animal cell where the cell membrane is divided |
| cell plate | the precursor of a new plant cell wall that forms during cell division and divides a cell into two |
| cancer | any malignant growth or tumor caused by abnormal and uncontrolled cell division |
| radiation therapy | treatment using x-rays to destroy cancerous tissue |
| chemotherapy | the use of chemical agents to treat or control some types of cancer (destroys cells or prevents them from dividing) |
| binary fission | a form of asexual reproduction in single-celled organisms by which one cell divides into two cells of the same size |
| budding | a process of asexual reproduction in which a new individual develops from an outgrowh of the parent |
| spore formation | single, specialized cells that are units of reproduction that can be formed asexually or sexually (ex. bread mould) |
| regeneration | the ability for an organism to regrow and replace a body part |
| meiosis | cell division that occurs in sex cells in which the number of chromosomes is reduced by half. |
| synapsis | the pairing of homologous chromosomes during meiosis |
| disjunction | The separation of homologous chromosomes during meiosis |
| crossing over | exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during prophase I of meiosis |
| gametogenesis | The formation of haploid gametes (sperm or ova) via meiosis. |
| oogenesis | the meiotic process that results in the formation of eggs |
| spermatogenesis | the meiotic process that results in the formation of sperm cells |
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