Cell division: Mitosis and Meiosis Flashcards
(90 cards)
What is the cell cycle
The series of events that takes place in a cell that results in DNA replication and cell division
What are the two main stages in the cell cycle and what occurs in each
The first stage is interphase during which the cell grows and replicates its DNA. Thet second phase is mitotic phase/ M phase/ Division phase during which the cell divides and transfers one copy of its DNA to two identical daughter cells
What is the role of mitosis
New cells are formed in order to ensure that the organism grows and increases in size and also to ensure that worn out or damaged cells are repaired and replaced.
Mitosis results in asexual reproduction in some simple plants and animals
What is interphase
The period between two consecutive cell divisions
How do the chromosomes look during interphase
The chromosones are visible as the chromatin network
Interphase is the _____ phase of the cell cycle
Longest
What perecentage of the cell cycle are is used for interphase and mitosis
Interphase accounts for approximately 90% of the cell cycle and for mitosis 10%
What are the 3 phases within interphase
G1, G2 and S phase
Explain what occurs in G1 phase
It occurs after the two daughter cells have split and cells have only one copy of their DNA.
Cells in this stage synthesise proteins and increase in size.
Cells can remain in this stage for a long time.
Explain what occurs in S phase
It is the stage during which DNA replication occurs.
The cell makes an identical copy of each of its chromosomes.
Chrromosomes are found inside the nucleus of the cell and consist of long strands of DNA that contain the cell’s genetic information
Explain what happens in G2 phase
Occurs after the DNA has been replicated in S phase.
Cells may continue to grow and undergo normal cellular functions.
Towards the end of this phase the cell may start to replicate its organelles in preparation for mitosis.
Explain what happens in G0 phase
Some cells no longer need to divide and exit the cell cycle (they are said to be in G0) and may do this permanently such as neurons, or they may do so temporarily. G0 is not a stage of the cell cycle
What are chromosomes
Thread like structures found in the cell nucleus of virtually all cells
What do chromosomes do
They transfer hereditary characteristics from generation to generation
What do chromosomes appear as when the cell is not dividing
It appears as a mass of threads (the chromatin network)
What do chromosomes look like when the cell is dividing
The chromatin network condenses, the threads become shorter and thicker and visible as single stranded chromosomes
What do chromosomes consist of
Thye consist of the nucleic acid, DNA that is wrapped helically around proteins known as histones
What are the various DNA segments along the length of each chromosome known as and what do they do
They are genes and each one controls a specific hereditary characteristic
True or Flase:
After a cell divides all genetic material in the nucleus (DNA) has to be duplicated.
False.
Before a cell divides all genetic material in the nucleus has to be duplicated.
What is replication
The process during which the DNA molecule makes an identical replica of itself
Why is replication necessary
To ensure that both daughter cells formed during mitosis have exactly the sam genetic information as in the original mother cell
After replication what happens to the chromosome
The single stranded chromosome (DNA and histones) now consists of two identical chromatids. The two chromatids of the new double stranded chromosomes are joined together by a centromere
What are the two stages of mitosis
Karyokinesis: division of the nucleus and chromosomes
Cytokinesis: Division of the cytoplasm, organelles and cell membrane.
What are the four phases that occur during the process of mitosis
Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase