chromosomes and DNA
What structure holds two sister chromatids together at the center of a duplicated chromosome?
centromere
In which major phase of the cell cycle does a cell spend most of its life growing and replicating its DNA?
What is Interphase?
what type of cells undergo meiosis? what cells are produced?
germ (reproductive) cells, gametes
What is the specific term for the production of male gametes (sperm cells) through meiosis?
spermatogenesis
name the male and female reproductive components (the whole thing) of flowering plants.
Stamen (male), Pistil (female)
What term describes human body cells (like skin or liver cells) that contain two sets of chromosomes (2n)?
somatic (body) cells
During which specific sub-phase of Interphase is nuclear DNA duplicated?
What is the S phase (Synthesis phase)?
What term describes a pair of matching chromosomes (one from mom, one from dad) that carry genes for the same traits?
homologous chromosomes
What are the 2 names for female gametes?
eggs/ova (ovum)
Name two types of cancer treatments that aim to regulate the cell cycle
chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, or surgery
What name is given to the relaxed, uncoiled form of DNA found in the nucleus during Interphase?
What is chromatin?
During which phase of mitosis do chromosomes line up along the equatorial plate of the cell?
What is Metaphase?
During Prophase I of meiosis, homologous chromosomes pair up and exchange genetic material. What is this process called?
crossing over (or genetic recombination)
which asexual reproductive process produces offspring from unfertilized eggs, through mitosis.
parthenogenesis
What term describes uncontrolled, rapid cell division that bypasses normal cell cycle checkpoints?
cancer
How many total chromosomes are found in a normal human somatic cell versus a human gamete?
46 chromosomes (in somatic cells) and 23 chromosomes (in gametes)?
What process immediately follows mitosis, and what happens during this process?
cytokinesis: dividing the cytoplasm into two distinct daughter cells
Formed during Prophase I of meiosis, this structure consists of a pair of homologous chromosomes—a total of four chromatids—synapsed together before crossing over occurs.
tetrad
During oogenesis, cytoplasm divides unequally, producing one mature ovum and three smaller, non-functional cells. What are these smaller cells called?
polar bodies
what are the 2 processes involved in the reproduction of viruses? Which one results in cell death?
Lytic cycle & Lysogenic cycle (lytic cycle destroys cells)
This term refers to an alternative form or variant of a specific gene located at the same position on a chromosome
What is an allele?
What specific cell structure forms during cytokinesis in plant cells, which does not occur in animal cells?
cell plate
Meiosis creates genetic variation by randomly separating maternal and paternal homologous chromosome pairs into different daughter cells. what is this phenomenon called?
reduction division
describe Alternation of generations
a life cycle involving two alternating phases of life; one uses sexual reproduction, and one uses asexual reproduction
What are the processes that occur during Meiosis, that lead to genetic variation among offspring?
crossing over (genetic recombination) and independent assortment