SB3b Meiosis Flashcards
chromosome
A structure found in the nuclei of cells. Each chromosome contains one enormously long DNA molecule packed up with proteins.
daughter cell
A cell produced by another cell that has divided.
diploid
A cell or nucleus that has two sets of chromosomes. In humans, almost all cells except the sperm and egg cells are diploid.
DNA
Deoxyribonucleic acid. A polymer made of sugar and phosphate groups joined to bases. One molecule of DNA is found in each chromosome.
egg cell
The female gamete in humans.
fertilisation
Fusing of a male gamete with a female gamete.
gamete
A haploid cell used for sexual reproduction.
genome
All the DNA in an organism. Each body cell contains a copy of the genome.
haploid
A cell or nucleus that has one set of chromosomes. Gametes are haploid.
meiosis
A form of cell division in which one parent cell produces four haploid daughter cells.
mitosis
A form of cell division in which one parent cell produces two diploid daughter cells.
polymer
A molecule made out of a chain of repeating similar units (called monomers).
replicate
When DNA replicates it makes a copy of itself.
sperm cell
The male gamete in humans.
zygote
Another term for ‘fertilised egg cell’.
