Cells

• Asexual Reproduction


  A method of reproduction involving one parent, where offspring are identical to the parent
• Crossing Over


  • Exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during meiosis, leading to genetic variation among offspring
• Diploid


  A cell or organism containing two sets of chromosomes, one from each parent
• Egg Cell


  The female gamete produced in the ovaries, larger than sperm and contains stored nutrients for embryonic development
• Embryo

  An early stage of development in multicellular organisms, following fertilization and preceding the fetus stage
• Fertilization


  The process of fusion between a sperm cell and an egg cell, resulting in the formation of a zygote
• Fallopian Tube (Oviduct)


  A pair of tubes connecting the ovaries to the uterus, where fertilization usually occurs
• Gamete


  A reproductive cell (sperm or egg) with half (n) the usual number of chromosomes, produced by meiosis
• Genetic Variation


  Differences in DNA sequences among individuals within a population, resulting from mutations, crossing over, genetic recombination, and other processes
• Haploid


  A cell or organism containing a single set of chromosomes, typically found in gametes
• Hormones

  Chemical messengers secreted by glands that regulate various physiologic processes, including reproduction
• Meiosis

  A type of cell division that produces gametes with half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell, leading to genetic diversity
• Menstrual Cycle

  The recurring monthly series of physiological changes in the female reproductive system, involving ovulation, menstruation, and changes in hormone levels
• Mitosis


  The process of cell division in which a parent cell divides to produce two genetically identical daughter cells. It is essential for growth, repair, and asexual reproduction
• Ovulation


  The release of a mature egg cell from the ovary into the fallopian tube, typically occurring midway through the menstrual cycle
• Placenta


  A temporary organ formed during pregnancy that connects the developing fetus to the uterine wall. It allows nutrient uptake, waste elimination, and gas exchange between mother and fetus
• Sexual Reproduction


  A method of reproduction involving the union of gametes from two parents. Results in offspring with genetic variation
• Sperm Cell


  The male gamete produced in the testes, specialized for fertilization of the egg cell
• Uterus


  The muscular organ in the female reproductive system where a embryo implants and develops into a fetus
• Zygote


  The diploid cell (2n) resulting from the union of a sperm cell and an egg cell during fertilization
• Ribosomes make proteins using instructions from DNA