HBio: Cell Growth & Division

Front

What is the surface area to volume (SA:V) ratio and why is it important for cells?

Back

The SA:V ratio is a measure of the amount of surface area per unit volume of an object. It is important for cells because a higher ratio allows for more efficient exchange of materials (nutrients, waste) with the environment.

Front

What form does DNA take when a cell is preparing to divide?

Back

During cell division, DNA coils up tightly to form chromosomes.

Front

What is the main reason cells divide?

Back

Cells divide to maintain a small size, to grow, and to repair tissues, but not to increase their size.

Front

What are sister chromatids?

Back

Sister chromatids are identical copies of a chromosome that are connected by a centromere.

Front

What is a centromere?

Back

A centromere is the region of a chromosome where two sister chromatids are joined together.

Front

What is the role of the nucleolus in a cell?

Back

The nucleolus is responsible for producing ribosomes, which are essential for protein synthesis.

Front

Define chromatin.

Back

Chromatin is the relaxed form of DNA found in the nucleus of non-dividing cells.

Front

What is mitosis?

Back

Mitosis is the process of cell division that results in two identical daughter cells, each with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell.

Front

What is the difference between mitosis and meiosis?

Back

Mitosis results in two identical daughter cells, while meiosis results in four genetically diverse gametes with half the number of chromosomes.

Front

What is apoptosis?

Back

Apoptosis is the process of programmed cell death that occurs in multicellular organisms.