Cell cycle

• Chromosomes

  Molecules of tightly-packed DNA that contain many genes

  
• DNA molecules

  Chemical molecules found in every living organism that hold instructions for growth and development

  
• Genetic material


  The general term for the material used to store genetic information in a cell

  
• Genes

  A small section of DNA that controls a specific characteristic

  
• Nucleus

  Contains the genetic material in a eukaryotic cell

  
• Cell cycle

  Repeating phases of cell growth, replication and division in cells

  
• Growth phase

  When the cell grows and increases its number of sub-cellular structures such as mitochondria and ribosomes

  
• Replication phase

  When the cell doubles its genetic material by synthesising new DNA

  
• Cell division

  When one cell divides to form two or more daughter cells

  
• Mitosis

  A type of cell division where two identical daughter cells are formed with the same genetic material as the parent cell

  
• Process of mitosis

  One set of chromosomes is pulled to each end of the cell, the nucleus then divides, the cytoplasm and cell membranes eventually divide, two identical cells are formed

  
• Daughter cells

  The new cells formed as a result of the division of a cell

  
• Reasons for mitosis

  Growth, repair and development of multicellular organisms
• Asexual reproduction

  How some organisms reproduce to form identical offspring using mitosis

  
• Chromosome pairs

  How chromosomes are normally found in body cells

  
• Body cell

  A typical cell that undergoes mitosis and is not involved in sexual reproduction

  
• Mitosis

  The process of cell division that produces two genetically identical daughter cells
• Cell cycle involving mitosis

  • DNA replication
  • Chromosome separation
  • Cytoplasm and cell membrane division
• Body cells contain 23 pairs of chromosomes
• Gametes have unpaired chromosomes
• Chromosomes

  Carry a large number of genes that determine many of our features
• Animals and plants contain a very large number of cells
• Cells can divide by either mitosis or meiosis
• Cell cycle including mitosis

  1. DNA replication

  2. Chromosome separation

  3. Cytoplasm and cell membrane division
• Mitosis copies one cell into two identical cells
• Functions of mitosis

  • Growth and development of multicellular organisms
  • Repair of organisms
  • Asexual reproduction