Meiosis and mitosis

• What phase of interphase is characterized by DNA replication?


  S Phase
• What occurs during the G1 Phase of interphase?

  The cell grows and carries out normal functions while preparing for DNA replication
• What is the main activity during the G2 Phase of interphase?

  The cell continues to grow and prepares for mitosis
• What is nuclear division?

  The process of dividing a cell's nucleus
• What is cytoplasmic division also known as?

  Cytokinesis
• What happens during prophase of mitosis?

  Chromosomes condense, and the nuclear envelope begins to break down
• What occurs during metaphase of mitosis?

  Chromosomes align along the metaphase plate at the center of the cell
• What happens during anaphase of mitosis?

  Sister chromatids separate and are pulled to opposite poles of the cell
• What is the final stage of mitosis called?

  Telophase
• What occurs during telophase of mitosis?

  Chromosomes reach the poles, the nuclear envelope reforms, and the chromosomes de-condense
• What is the role of mitosis and the cell cycle in producing identical daughter cells?

  • Mitosis produces two genetically identical diploid daughter cells
  • It is part of the cell cycle which includes G1, S, and G2 phases
  • Essential for growth and asexual reproduction
• Describe the stages of the cell cycle before mitosis.

  1. G1 Phase: Cell grows and doubles cellular contents
  2. S Phase: DNA replication occurs, duplicating all chromosomes
  3. G2 Phase: Replicated DNA is checked for errors and repaired
• What happens to specialized cells that no longer divide?

  They enter a stage called G0
• What are the events that occur during each stage of mitosis?

  1. Prophase:

  • Duplicated chromosomes condense
  • Duplicated centrioles move to opposite poles
  • Spindle fibers form
  • Nucleolus disappears

  1. Metaphase:

  • Chromosomes align at the metaphase plate
  • Spindle fibers attach to centromeres

  1. Anaphase:

  • Spindle fibers shorten
  • Centromeres split, separating chromatids

  1. Telophase:

  • Chromatids reach opposite poles
  • Chromosomes de-condense
  • Nuclear envelope reforms
• What is the purpose of CORE PRACTICAL 5 in the study of mitosis?

  To prepare and stain a root tip squash to observe the stages of mitosis
• What is the definition of mitosis?

  A type of cell division that produces two genetically identical diploid daughter cells from a single parent cell
• What is the definition of meiosis?

  A type of cell division that produces four genetically unique haploid gametes from a single diploid cell
• What does diploid mean?

  A cell that contains two complete sets of chromosomes
• What is crossing over?

  The exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during prophase I of meiosis
• What does haploid mean?

  A cell that contains a single set of chromosomes
• What is independent assortment?

  The random separation of homologous chromosome pairs during meiosis
• What is a chiasma?

  The point where two homologous chromosomes exchange genetic material during crossing over
• What is linkage in genetics?

  The tendency of genes located close to each other on the same chromosome to be inherited together
• What are sex chromosomes?

  Chromosomes that determine the biological sex of an organism
• What does sex-linked mean?

  Traits or genes associated with genes located on sex chromosomes
• What is fertilization?

  The process where a sperm and ovum combine to form a zygote
• What is a zygote?

  The diploid cell that results from the fusion of two gametes during fertilization
• What is the cell cycle?

  The series of events that a cell undergoes from its formation to its division into two daughter cells
• What is interphase?

  The phase of the cell cycle where the cell grows, replicates DNA, and prepares for division