Chapter 6 Vocabulary

The third phase of mitosis in which spindle fibers shorten and pull sister chromatids to opposite poles of each cell.

Method of asexual reproduction in prokaryotes and some single-celled eukaryotes in which DNA replicates and the parent cell splits into two daughter cells.

A series of stages that a cell goes through during its lifetime, including growth, DNA replication, and cell division.

Process in which a cell divides to form daughter cells.

A structure present in cells during cell division in which the cell’s DNA and protein molecules coil into a definite shape visible with a light microscope.

Last event in cell division, when the cell membrane grows into the middle of the cell, the cytoplasm divides, and daughter cells form.

Double-stranded nucleic acid that stores genetic information in its sequence of nitrogen bases.

Process occurring before cell division in which DNA is copied.

Major phase of the eukaryotic cell cycle that incorporates al phases of the cell except cell division and includes growth phase 1 (G1), synthesis phase (S), and growth phase 2 (G2).

Second phase of mitosis when single fibers attach to centromeres of sister chromatids, which line up at the center of the cell.

Division of the nucleus in a eukaryotic cell, which occurs in four phases: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.

First phase of mitosis in which chromosomes form, the nuclear membrane breaks down, centrioles move to opposite poles of the cell (in an animal cell), and spindles form between centrioles.

Final phase of mitosis in which chromosomes uncoil, spindle fibers break down, and new nuclear membranes form.

The production of genetically identical offspring by a single parent through a method such as binary fission, fragmentation, or budding.

Referring to the total number of chromosomes in a sexual reproducing species, which is twice the haploid number of chromosomes.

Gamete produced by a female parent.

The union of two gametes during sexual reproduction.

Special reproductive cell with haploid number of chromosomes that is produced by meiosis during sexual reproduction.

Referring to the number of different chromosomes in a sexual reproducing species or to the number of chromosomes in a gamete.

Two members of a given pair of chromosomes, which have the same genes in the same locations.

Special type of cell division in which a cell divides twice and produces four haploid daughter cells.

Production of offspring by two parents through the production and fertilization of gametes.

Gamete produced by a male parent.

Cell with the diploid number of chromosomes that form when two gametes unite during fertilization.