Key Terms Chapter 1 - Cells And More Cells Flashcards
(23 cards)
Cell
Smallest unit that can perform basic functions of life
Nucleus
Organelle that controls the cell’s activities
Organelle
Specialized structure in a cell
Cytoplasm
Cytosol and organelles contained by the cell membrane
Chromosome
Located in cell nucleus, thread-like structure made of DNA
DNA
Material found in cell nucleus that contains genetic information
Gene
Segment of DNA controls protein production
Mutation
Change in DNA of organism
Mutagen
A substance/factor that can cause mutation in DNA
Cell division
Process by which a cell divides to create two daughter cells
Mitosis
Process by which the duplicated contents of the nucleus divide into two equal parts
Cytokinesis
Following mitosis, separation of two nuclei and cell contents into two daughter cells
DNA replication
Process where DNA is copied, creating sister chromatids joined at the centromere
Prophase
First phase, sister chromatids condense and chromosomes become visible
Metaphase
Second phase, chromosomes are aligned across the centre of the cell
Anaphase
Third phase, centromere splits apart, chromatids are pulled to opposite sides of the cell by the spindle fibres
Telophase
Last phase, two daughter nuclei are formed
Cell plate
Structure that helps form cell wall in plant cell cytokinesis
Interphase
Periods of growth in life of cell; consists of two growth stages and a stage of DNA replication
Cell cycle
Continuous sequence of cell growth and division
Cell cycle checkpoints
Point in life of cell when proteins determine whether cell division should/not occur
Tumour
Abnormal clump/group of cells
Cancer
Cells with abnormal genetic material that are dividing uncontrollably and can spread to other body parts
