Key Words

• Gene


  A short section of DNA that codes for a protein which determines your characteristics.
• DNA


  The chemical that genes are made from. Every person's DNA is different. DNA tells your cell what proteins to make.
• Chromosomes


  Strands of DNA which are found in the nucleus of each cell.
• Mitosis


  Cell division used for growth producing genetically identical daughter cells.
• Cancer


  Is a result of uncontrolled mitosis producing a mass of cells.
• Meiosis


  Cell division used for sexual reproduction where the daughter cells are genetically different - there is variation.
• Gametes

  Sex cells - sperm and egg. These contain half the amount of chromosomes than the original parent cell.
• Stem cells


  Undifferentiated/unspecialised cells that can differentiate into any cell type in the body to repair damaged tissue.