Genetics + Cell Division

• What is cell continuity?

  The ability of cells to divide and survive from one generation to the next.
• What 2 factors depend on cell division?

  Growth and reproduction.
• Where are chromosomes found?

  In the nucleus of a cell.
• What are chromosome made of?

  Protein and DNA.
• What does DNA stand for?

  Deoxyribonucleic acid.
• What is the name that describes the stage a cell is not dividing?

  Interphase.
• What is chromatin?

  Chromatin occurs when a cell is in interphase and the chromosomes are in long thin threads.
• What is the function of chromosomes?

  To control cell activity.
• Where are genes found?

  Along the length of each chromosome.
• What is a gene?

  A section of DNA that controls the instruction for the formation of a protein.
• Why are genes said to be 'units of inheritance'?

  As they are passed on.
• What do all of the genes in an organism make up?

  The genome.
• What are somatic cells?

  Any cell that isn't involved in reproduction.
• How many chromosomes does every somatic cell contain?

  46 chromosomes.
• How many chromosomes do sex cells contain?

  23 chromosomes.
• What are autosomes?

  The first 22 pairs of chromosomes in each cell.
• How many pairs of chromosomes do humans have?

  23 pairs.
• What is a pair of chromosomes called?

  A homologous pair.
• Name a physical difference in the Y and X chromosomes.

  The Y chromosome is shorter than the X chromosome.
• How is the cell cycle split?

  The cell cycle is split into a growing phase (interphase) and a dividing phase.
• What type of cells are gametes?

  Haploid.
• What type of cells are somatic cells?

  Diploid.
• What is a haploid cell?

  A cell with one set of chromosomes.
• What is a diploid cell?

  A cell with 2 sets of chromosomes.
• How much time does a ceell spend in interphase?

  90% of the time (it isn't dividing).
• What is mitosis?

  When a cell is dividing.
• What is mitosis?

  A form of nuclear division, where 1 nucleus divides into 2 nuclei, each with the same number of chromosomes as the parent nuclei.
• What event occurs at the end of interphase?

  The chromosomes form a copy of themselves to form double stranded chromosomes.
• What 4 stages can mitosis be divided into?

  Prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.
• What 'phrase' is used to remember the 4 stages of mitosis?

  Passed my algebra test.
• What is the function of mitosis in a single-celled organism?

  A method of reproduction.
• What is the function of mitosis in a multi-celled organism?

  The growth and repair of cells.
• What is cancer?

  A disorder where cells lose their ability to control the rate of mitosis.
• Wht are the 2 types of cancer?

  Benign and malignant.
• What is a benign tumour?

  When abnormal cells divide by mitosis uncontrollably, but the cells do not invade other body tissues.
• What is a malignant tumour?

  When abnormal cells divide by mitosis uncontrollably and invade other body tissues.
• How is cancer caused?

  When normal genes are altered to form cancer-causing cells.
• What are carcinogens?

  Cancer causing agents.
• What do carinogens do to genes?

  Mutates DNA in certain genes.
• What are oncogens?

  Certain genes that can cause cancer when mutated.