B2: Cell Division

• adult stem cell


  A type of stem cell found in specific locations in adults. Adult stem cells can only differentiate into a limited number of related cell types.
• cancer

  A disease caused by normal cells changing so that they grow and divide in an uncontrolled way. The uncontrolled growth causes a lump called a tumour to form.
• cell cycle


  The series of stages that a cell goes through as it is growing and dividing.
• chromosome


  The structure made of DNA that codes for all the characteristics of an organism.
• cloning


  A scientific method by which genetically identical copies are made of animals or plants.
• cuttings


  Part of a plant stem, leaf, or root cut off and used for producing a new plant. An artificial propagation method.
• daughter cells


  When a cell divides, the new cells produced are called daughter cells.
• differentiation

  When an unspecialised cell becomes a more specialised cell type.
• DNA

  Deoxyribonucleic acid. The material inside the nucleus of cells, carrying the genetic information of a living being.
• egg cell


  The female reproductive cell. Also known as a gamete.
• embryo


  An organism in the early stages of development.
• embryonic stem cell


  A type of stem cell found in the embryo, capable of dividing into almost any cell type.
• ethical


  Relating to right and wrong, eg ethical companies are often ones that act in a responsible way.
• fertilisation


  The joining of a male and female gamete.
• gene


  The basic unit of genetic material inherited from our parents. A gene is a section of DNA which controls part of a cell's chemistry - particularly protein production.
• genetic engineering


  Process which involves the artificial transfer of genetic information from one donor cell or organism to another.
• immune system


  The body's defence system against entry of any foreign body, including pathogens and agents such as pollen grains. The role of the immune system is to prevent disease.
• meristem


  A region in plant shoots and roots in which cells are dividing, and so are undergoing mitosis. These can differentiate into any type of plant cell.
• mitosis


  A type of cell division which produces daughter cells that are genetically identical to the parent.
• multicellular


  Having more than one cell.
• nucleus


  The nucleus controls what happens inside the cell. Chromosomes are structures found in the nucleus of most cells. The plural of nucleus is nuclei.
• specialised


  A cell that has become differentiated to carry out a particular function, eg red blood cell.
• stem cell


  A type of unspecialised cell found in embryos, foetuses and some adult tissues that can differentiate a wide range of other cells.
• synthesis


  Made or put together.
• therapeutic cloning

  Using cloning technology for medicinal purposes. One example is to use a person's DNA to clone one of their organs for use in transplanting. Could be used to treat diabetes or paralysis in the future.
• transplant


  Surgical procedure in which a tissue or organ is replaced.
• zygote


  A fertilised egg cell.