CELL CYCLE

• What is the process of cellular division?

  Cell divides to form 2 new cells.
• Why do cells need to divide?

  Cells divide for growth, repair, and to manage size for nutrient absorption.
• What is the original cell called before division?

  Parent cell.
• What happens to DNA before cell division?

  The cell replicates all of its DNA to ensure each daughter cell receives a complete set.
• What are the new cells formed after division called?

  Daughter cells.
• How do daughter cells compare to parent cells?

  Each daughter cell is exactly like the parent cell in type and chromosome number.
• What type of reproduction do unicellular organisms use?

  Asexual reproduction.
• What is binary fission?

  A method of asexual reproduction used by bacteria.
• What is an example of a unicellular organism that reproduces by budding?

  Yeast.
• What are somatic cells?

  All body cells except sex cells, containing diploid (2n) chromosomes.
• How many chromosomes do somatic cells contain?

  96 chromosomes.
• What is the primary function of somatic cells?

  Somatic cells undergo mitosis.
• What are sex cells also known as?

  Gametes.
• What is the acrosome?

  A protective covering of sperm.
• What is the role of DNA in cells?

  Controls all cell activities, including cell division.
• What is chromatin?

  Long and thread-like DNA in a non-dividing cell.
• What is the centromere?

  The primary constriction of a chromosome.
• What is the function of cohesin at the centromere?

  Prevents premature separation of sister chromatids.
• Why does DNA change from chromatin to chromosome?

  To prevent tangling and reinforce DNA during cell division.
• What is the role of helicase in DNA replication?

  Responsible for unwinding the DNA double helix.
• What are Okazaki fragments?

  Short DNA fragments synthesized on the lagging strand during replication.
• What is the function of DNA ligase?

  Seals gaps between Okazaki fragments.
• What is the cell cycle?

  The series of events that take place in a cell leading to its division and replication.
• What happens during interphase?

  The cell grows and replicates its DNA and organelles.
• What is the first growth period of the cell cycle called?

  G1 phase.
• What occurs during the S phase of interphase?

  DNA synthesis and replication take place.
• What is the role of centrosomes during cell division?

  Organize microtubules needed for cell division.
• What is mitosis?

  The process that produces two daughter cells with the same chromosome number as the parent cell.
• What are the phases of mitosis?

  Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase.
• What happens during prophase of mitosis?

  Chromosomes coil up and move toward the cell equator.
• What is the significance of the nuclear envelope during mitosis?

  It disintegrates to allow chromosomes to move freely.
• What occurs during anaphase of mitosis?

  Centromeres divide and spindle fibers pull chromosomes to opposite poles.
• What is cytokinesis?

  The division of the cytoplasm and organelles after mitosis.
• How does cytokinesis differ in plant and animal cells?

  In animal cells, the cytoplasm pinches in; in plant cells, a cell plate forms.
• What is meiosis?

  Sex cell division that results in daughter cells with half the chromosome number.
• What are the two successive divisions in meiosis?

  Meiosis I and Meiosis II.
• What happens during prophase I of meiosis?

  Homologous chromosomes synapse to form bivalents.
• What is crossing over?

  The exchange of genetic material between non-sister chromatids during prophase I.
• What is the term for the points of exchange during crossing over?

  Chiasmata.
• What occurs during metaphase I of meiosis?

  Homologous pairs of chromosomes align at the equatorial plate.