Cell Division and Cycle

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Cell Cycle Noun

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[sel sy-kuhl]

Back

Cell Cycle

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The repeating series of events in a cell's life, including growth, DNA synthesis, and division into two daughter cells.

Front

Cell Theory Noun

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[sel thee-uh-ree]

Back

Cell Theory

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The scientific principle stating that all living things are made of cells, which arise only from pre-existing cells.

Front

Chromatin Noun

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[kroh-muh-tin]

Back

Chromatin

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The uncoiled, stringy complex of DNA and histone proteins found inside the nucleus of a non-dividing eukaryotic cell.

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Example: This diagram shows chromatin as a mass of thin threads located inside the cell's nucleus, which is how DNA is packaged before cell division.

Front

Histones Noun

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[his-tohnz]

Back

Histones

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The basic proteins around which DNA is coiled to form chromatin, helping to compact the genetic material.

Front

Chromosome Noun

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[kroh-muh-sohm]

Back

Chromosome

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A tightly packaged and condensed structure of DNA formed for transport during the process of cell division.

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Example: This image shows a chromosome's location inside a cell's nucleus and its detailed structure, including two sister chromatids joined at a centromere.

Front

Sister Chromatids Noun

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[sis-ter kroh-muh-tidz]

Back

Sister Chromatids

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Two identical copies of a single replicated chromosome that are joined together by a common centromere.

Front

Centromere Noun

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[sen-truh-meer]

Back

Centromere

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The specialized DNA sequence of a chromosome that links a pair of sister chromatids during cell division.

Front

Homologous Chromosomes Noun

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[hoh-mol-uh-guhs kroh-muh-sohmz]

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Homologous Chromosomes

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A pair of chromosomes, one from each parent, that have the same size, shape, and gene sequence.

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Example: This diagram shows a pair of homologous chromosomes, which have the same size and shape and carry genes for the same traits at the same position (locus).

Front

Binary Fission Noun

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[by-nair-ee fish-uhn]

Back

Binary Fission

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The process of asexual reproduction and cell division used by prokaryotic organisms to create two identical daughter cells.

Front

Interphase Noun

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[in-ter-fayz]

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Interphase

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The longest phase of the cell cycle where a cell grows, performs its normal functions, and replicates its DNA.