| Term | Definition |
|---|
| chromosome | rod-shaped structures made of DNA and proteins |
| histones | proteins that DNA in eukaryotic cell are wrapped tightly around |
| chromatid | each half of a chromosome |
| centromere | the point where two chromatids of a chromosome are attached |
| chromatin | the less tightly coiled DNA-protein complex |
| sex chromosomes | chromosomes that determine the sex of an organism, may also carry genes for other characteristics |
| autosomes | all of the other chromosomes in an organism |
| homologous chromosomes | the two copies of each autosome |
| karyotype | a photomicrograph of the chromosome in a normal dividing cell found in a human |
| diploid | cells that have two sets of chromosomes |
| haploid | cells that have one set of chromosomes |
| binary fission | the division of a prokaryotic cell into two identical offspring cells |
| mitosis | cell division in which the nucleus divides into nuclei containing the same number of chromosomes |
| asexual reproduction | production of offspring from one parent |
| meiosis | type of cell division that produces four cells, each with half as many chromosomes as the parent cell |
| gametes | haploid reproductive cells |
| interphase | the time between cell divisions where the cells mature, where DNA is copied, and is in preparation for cell division |
| cytokinesis | the division of the cell's cytoplasm |
| prophase | The first phase of mitosis in which chromosomes are copied, the centriole if formed, the centrosome is formed, and the spindle fibers are formed. |
| spindle fibers | made of microtubules radiate from the centrosomes in preparation for metaphase |
| metaphase | the second stage in mitosis or meiosis in which the duplicated chromosomes line up along the equatorial plate of the spindle |
| anaphase | chromatids of each chromosome seperate at the centromere and slowly move, centromere first, toward opposite poles of the dividing cells; third stage of mitosis |
| telophase | when spindle fibers disasseble and the chromosomes return to less tightly coiled chromatin state, fourth stage of mitosis |
| cell plate | the midline of the dividing plant cell |
| synapsis | the pairing of homologous chromosomes in meiosis |
| tetrad | each pair of homologous chromosomes |
| crossing over | when portions of chromatids may break off and attach to adjacent chromatids on the homologous chromosome in order to share some genetic information |
| genetic recombination | when a new mixture of genetic material is created |
| independent assortment | random separation of the homologous chromosomes |
| spermatogenesis | production of sperm cells |
| oogenesis | production of mature egg cells or ova |
| polar body | the other three products of meosis that will soon disintegrate |
| sexual reproduction | is the production of offspring through meiosis and the union of a sperm and an egg |
Combine with other sets
Share on Facebook
Share on MySpace