Mitosis

Question 1

Cell Division

Answer 1

The process of cells replication to make more cells through division

Question 2

Somatic Cells

Answer 2

Nonreproductive body cells that divide by mitosis; they are diploid (2n) and create identical copies with no variation

Question 3

Gametes

Answer 3

Reproductive cells (sperm and egg) that divide by meiosis; they are haploid (n) and combine from two parents, creating genetic variation

Question 4

Chromosomes

Answer 4

Tighly packed structures of DNA and proteins that carry genetic information

Question 5

Haploid

Answer 5

Found in gametes, half of the genetic info from each parent (meiosis/sexual reproduction)

Question 6

Diploid

Answer 6

Found in somatic cells; full set of genetic info from one parent (mitosis/asexual reproduction)

Question 7

Mitosis

Answer 7

The process of asexual (nonsexual) cell division that produces two identical diploid daughter cells.

Question 8

Binary Fission

Answer 8

A simple form of asexual reproduction used by bacteria (prokaryotes)

Question 9

Genome

Answer 9

The complete set of an organism’s DNA, including all of its genes.

Question 10

Chromatin

Answer 10

The uncoiled, spaghetti-like form of DNA and proteins found in the nucleus.
Histones - Proteins that DNA wraps around to form tightly packed chromosomes.

Question 11

Nucleosomes

Answer 11

Bead-like units of DNA wrapped around histones; help compact DNA into chromosomes.

Question 12

DNA Replication

Answer 12

The process of copying genetic material so each new cell receives identical DNA

Question 13

Sister Chromatids

Answer 13

Two identical copies of a chromosome joined at a centromere.

Question 14

Centromere

Answer 14

The pinched waist of a chromosome where sister chromosomes are joined.

Question 15

Interphase

Answer 15

The preparation phase before cell division (G1 = growth, S = DNA replication, G2 = prep for mitosis)

Question 16

Mitotic Phase

Answer 16

The stage where actual cell divisions occur – includes mitosis (nuclear division) and cytokineis (cytoplasmic division)

Question 17

Prophase

Answer 17

Chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes; spindle fibers form nucleolus disappears.

Question 18

Prometaphase

Answer 18

The nuclear envelope breaks down; spindle fibers attach to kinetochores.

Question 19

Metaphase

Answer 19

Chromsomes align along the cell’s equator (metaphase plate)

Question 20

Anaphase

Answer 20

Sister Chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles of the cell

Question 21

Telophase

Answer 21

New nuclei form around chromosomes at each pole; chromosomes uncoil.

Question 22

Cytokinesis

Answer 22

Cytoplasm divides, forming two new daughter cells.

Question 23

Kinteochore

Answer 23

A protein structure on the centromere where spindle microtubules attach.

Question 24

Microtubules

Answer 24

Protein fibers that form the mitotic spindle and help move chromosomes.

Question 25

Cell Cycle Control system

Answer 25

A system of checkpoints G1, S, G2, M that monitor and regulate the cell cycle for accuracy.

Question 26

Cyclins

Answer 26

Regulatory proteins whose levels rise and fall to control cell cycle progression.

Question 27

Cyclin-Dependent Kinases

Answer 27

Enzymes activated by clycins that trigger key steps in the cell cycle.

Question 28

MPF (Maturation-Promoting Factor)

Answer 28

A complex of cyclin and CDK that pushes the cell from G2 into mitosis.

Question 29

Anchorage Dependence

Answer 29

Cells must be attached to a surface to divide (normal for healthy cells)

Question 30

Density-Dependent Inhibition

Answer 30

Cells stop dividing when crowded or when they touch neighboring cells.

Question 31

Cancer Cells

Answer 31

Cells that divide uncontrollably and ignore normal cell cycle controls.

Question 32

Transformation

Answer 32

The process where a normal cell becomes a cancerous cell.

Question 33

Benign Tumor

Answer 33

A mass of abnormal cells that stays localized in one area.

Question 34

Malignant Tumor

Answer 34

A cancerous mass that invades nearby tissues or can spread.

Question 35

Metastasize

Answer 35

When malignant cells travel through blood or lymph to form new tumors elsewhere.

Question 36

Radiation Therapy

Answer 36

Uses high-energy radiation to damage or kill rapidy dividing cells.

Question 37

Chemotherapy

Answer 37

Uses drugs to stop or slow down the division of cancer cells (also affects some healthy cells)