Cell Division Flashcards
What does the nucleus of a cell contain?
It contains chromosomes made of DNA molecules - each chromosome carries a large number of genes.
What are chromosomes usually found in?
In body cells, they are usually found in pairs.
What is the cell cycle?
It is a series of events involved in cell growth and cell division.
What does the cell cycle involve?
It involves mitosis which allows for the growth, repair and asexual reproduction of cells.
What is the first stage of the cell cycle?
The initial growth stage.
What happens in the initial growth stage?
Extra ribosomes, mitochondria and other sub-cellular structures are produced. The cells chromosomes are replicated so that there are two sets of the cell’s chromes.
What happens in mitosis?
The two sets of chromosomes are pulled to opposite ends of the cell - then the nucleus divides into 2.
What happens in the last stage of mitosis - cell division?
The cell divides - the cytoplasm and membranes divide to create 2 identical cells.
What are stem cells?
Undifferentiated cells that have not specialised to perform a specific function.
What can stem cells do?
They can form more stem cells or differentiate to perform another function.
Where are stem cells found in?
- Embryos
- Bone marrow
- Plant meristems
What do stem cells in embryos do?
They can differentiate into most cell types, to produce all of the cell types that will make up the organism.
What do adult stem cells in bone marrow do?
They can differentiate into fewer cell types than stem cells in embryos - they are used to replace dying cells and damaged tissues.
What do plant stem cells do in the meristem tissue?
They can differentiate into all cell types throughout the life of the plant - this allows plants to grow for the rest of their lives.
How can stem cells be used for treatment?
They can be used to replace damaged cells in the body.
